Prom Promise event shows dangers of distracted driving

A "Prom Promise" event was held in the west parking lot of Columbia High School this morning. The mock scenario was designed to discourage students from driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, as well as texting.

The fire department, EMS, and police demonstrated their response to a vehicle accident. School Resource Officer Troy Engle addressed the students who stood quietly absorbing the scene.

Student actors from the Columbia High School Drama Club enacted a realistic scene, with some covered in blood. One was partially ejected through the windshield and was lying motionless.

Another student, wearing a bloodstained prom gown, was given a field sobriety test and led away in handcuffs.

Firefighters worked to extricate a student from the car by removing the roof and windshield.

A particularly sobering moment came when the coroner's​ van rolled up and the partially ejected victim was placed in that van.

The mayor and several borough council members witnessed the enactment.

Thanks to all those that participated in today's drill.