The tone dropped. The sirens wailed. The desperate screams of crash victims were strikingly audible.
The students lined up to observe the events of the tragedy as it unfolded in a Bethel-Tate High School parking lot were perhaps the only obvious clue that the scene was staged.
For months, Clermont County Sheriff’s Deputy/SRO Randy McElfresh, in coordination with school leadership, planned the mock crash. His focus was on delivering for students a realistic portrayal of the consequences of distracted driving or driving under the influence. With the help of many partners in the emergency services field, the SRO’s objective was flawlessly achieved.
The timing of the mock crash was planned for optimal impact. It was presented the same weekend as Bethel-Tate High School’s prom and just days ahead of graduation.
Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, Chris Stratton, said the value of staging a mock crash is its ability to give students first-hand exposure to consequences of not just drunk driving but distracted driving while texting or having a large group of kids in the car.
A similar thought was shared by Superintendent Melissa Kircher who said mock crash scenarios are an effective way of educating students about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
“We haven’t held a mock crash scenario since well before the COVID lockdown, so it’s time,” she said. “We are especially thankful to our SRO, Deputy McElfresh. He recently retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and is well-versed in the risks of impaired and distracted driving.
“When he offered to plan a mock crash, we eagerly accepted,” she said. “He did not disappoint. These simulations are a powerful tool that can leave a lasting impact on students by providing them with a real-life experience that illustrates the potentially deadly consequences of reckless driving. We hope our students take this lesson to heart and make good choices as they enjoy the final days of this school year and transition into summer break.”
Bethel-Tate High School Principal George Sturgeon and SRO McElfresh expressed their gratitude to all involved in the successful presentation of the mock crash including: the students who portrayed victims; the Clermont County Sheriff's Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol Batavia Post; Bethel-Tate Fire & EMS; Clermont County Coroner; Clermont County Dispatch; UC Health AirCare; and D&S Towing, which provided the cars.
“Our hope is that this mock crash will serve as a reminder to our students about the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence,” Mr. Sturgeon added.