As tri-state students usher in pre-Prom excitement, they are also being met with a sobering reality check.
Ascension St. Vincent, in a joint effort with local sheriff’s offices, fire departments and health departments, staged a series of high-impact mock crashes to demonstrate the life-altering consequences of destructive driving choices.
Led by St. Vincent EMS Medical Director Dr. Kailyn Kahre, the event served as a visceral warning to students as Prom season kicked off across the tri-state.
The presentation utilized a simulated wreckage to show students exactly what happens when distracted or impaired driving—whether involving phones, drugs, or alcohol—leads to a 911 call. First responders worked the "scene" in real-time, showcasing the intensive resources and emotional toll required during a motor vehicle accident.
"We want these students to have a night to remember, but for the right reasons," said Dr. Kahre. "Seeing the wreckage up close makes the dangers real in a way a textbook never could."
The initiative comes in response to alarming safety statistics regarding Indiana youth. According to data shared during the presentation, the risks for teenagers are significantly high:
- 5,000+: The number of emergency department visits by Indiana teens over the last five years.
- 500+: Motor vehicle-related injuries involving teenagers in that same span.
- 2x: The increased likelihood that teenage boys will suffer an injury compared to their female peers.
