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Mock DUI crash open to public
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[SEPT. 25, 2003]
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct.
1, there will be a crash at the Lincoln Recreation Center. The
scheduled crash, part of this year's annual mock DUI, has a little
more pizzazz and a twist intended to bring home the message about
the importance of driving safely. The presentation is normally
addressed to students but is being opened for public participation
this year, with pertinent information for all drivers.
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Drivers of every age are encouraged to
come out to the Lincoln Park District to observe the mock crash and
learn more about how to protect themselves, their passengers, other
drivers and pedestrians. The crash will demonstrate how low-impact
accidents can cause serious injury or even death. This program will
offer important information for parent and guardian drivers about
how to protect child passengers.
Normally this activity is targeted at
young new drivers who are unfamiliar with the potential
hazards associated with driving. All drivers in the community are
encouraged to attend and recognize the dangers to themselves.
There will be a focus on road
construction distractions that drivers face, putting Illinois
Department of Transportation workers and rescue personnel at risk.
This year, the coroner's office will add to the scene by arranging
for an automobile to be released from a crane in order to
simulate what a mere 25 mph crash will do. The simulated crash is in
response to recent crashes in and around Logan County and Interstate
55. There have been numerous DUI crashes and more than 12 accidents
and two deaths in Logan County work zones.
In the past the mock crash presentation
has been limited to the high school classes, yet this is not an
adolescent problem but a societal problem.
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this article]
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Many of the recent deaths of
transportation workers have been contributed to by drunken driving.
Several of the work zone deaths are due to flying objects acting as
"missiles" within cars. These include unrestrained drivers or
passengers, canned groceries, or other heavy objects flying into
victims.
In a statement issued Sept. 21, Gov.
Blagojevich proposed that fines for speeding in work zones be
increased from $200 to $500, reckless driving penalties increase
from $250 to $500, and repeat offenders be fined $1,000.
This year Lincoln Community High School
and Hartsburg-Emden High School each have two students participating
as the injured victims in the crash. The Lincoln Police Department,
Logan County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln
Rural Fire Department, Logan County ESDA, Logan County Paramedic
Association and the Logan County coroner will demonstrate their
expertise in extrication, DUI control and crash scene investigation.
The Alcohol,
Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force, co-chaired by Logan-Mason Mental
Health Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Kristi Lessen and
Lincoln Police Chief Rich Montcalm, sponsor the annual mock DUI.
[News release, LDN]
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