Mock DWI Program
Every year over 1,500 motor vehicle accidents happen in Cattaraugus County. A portion of these accidents are easily preventable, as they are a result of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. That was part of the message Randolph Central School, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office wanted the high school students to hear during a pre-prom assembly on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Over the last few months, the mock DWI coordinators meticulously planned a mock DWI accident and assembly for the RCS high school students. These types of assemblies are held nationwide this time of year as prom and graduation season approaches. Randolph Central has an assembly like this once every four years.
This year’s assembly featured eight RCS seniors in a skit that portrayed them at an after-prom party, at which a few began to drink alcohol and take prescription pills. This led to the fatal (mock) DWI accident. High school students watched as the accident scene played out in real-time before them. First responders tended to the victims of the accident that resulted in one fatality, two serious injuries, and a young driver facing Vehicular Manslaughter charges due to their decision to drive under the influence. A somberness fell over the crowd as they watched the accident scene play out. That feeling carried back into the auditorium as they watched a fellow classmate’s arraignment and another’s funeral.
The goal of the assembly is to educate the students and young drivers on the consequences of driving under the influence. “This mock DWI program allows us to showcase a simulated tragedy, in an educational way, in hopes of deterring poor decision making. This is as real as it gets” said Deputy Kale Luce.
Randolph Central School would like to give a special thank you to all the agencies and individuals who helped make this assembly possible. The presentation would not have been possible without all the following people coming together. The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, Cattaraugus County Stop DWI Coordinator Lt. Mel Churakos, Randolph Regional EMS, Randolph Fire Department, East Randolph Fire Department, Leon Fire Department, VanRensselaer and Son Funeral Home, Coroner Howie VanRensselaer, Mercy Flight, Napoli Town Justice Randy Marsh, Florist Melissa Brown, Craig and Kyle Bedell and John’s Collision, New Directions, Deputy Kale Luce, Samantha Carroll, Mike Frame, Mike Ekstrom, Jessie Perison, Carrie Southard, RCS Board of Education, administration, and the custodial staff.