On Thursday afternoon, Euclid High School Juniors and Seniors gathered at Sparky DiBiasio Stadium for a Prom Promise demonstration focused on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
The event, organized in partnership with the Euclid Police Department and Euclid Fire Department, featured a staged car accident designed to show students what can happen in an OVI-related incident. The demonstration is part of the district’s commitment to student wellness and safety while encouraging safe decision-making during Prom season and beyond.
Before the simulation began, emcee Rashal Jones read a message centered on the risks that increase in teen driving during the spring months. Between April and June, one-third of teen fatalities are linked to impairment-related crashes, a statistic that framed the purpose of the event.
The demonstration unfolded in real time, following a scripted scenario in which impaired driving led to a collision at an intersection. The crash resulted from a driver failing to stop at a red light, striking another vehicle and causing severe injuries.
Our district partner, 3-S Towing donated two totaled cars to bring the scenario to life. Prior to the audience arriving, student-actors were placed around the scene in various conditions.
Euclid Police officers were first to arrive, securing the scene and beginning their investigation, reporting back to dispatch. Shortly after, Euclid Fire Department personnel and paramedics entered the scenario, assessing injuries and prioritizing care. Students watched as one individual was declared dead, one passenger was assisted from a vehicle, while another required a full extraction using the jaws of life and other specialized rescue tools.
The demonstration also showed the legal side of these incidents, as officers placed the impaired driver under arrest. As outlined in the event’s script, situations involving impairment quickly move beyond a traffic crash and into a criminal investigation.
Throughout the event, students remained attentive as responders worked through each phase of the simulation. The use of real emergency equipment, totaled cars and coordinated response efforts provided an authentic look at how these situations are handled, while the student actors did an incredible job of making the scenario seem real and relatable.
Although plans initially included a landing by University Hospitals AirMed right on the field, the helicopter was called to an active emergency and was unable to participate.
The event was made possible through the combined efforts of district staff, local first responders and community partners. Special thanks to EHS Principals Mr. Russell and Mr. Hliatzos, Director of Business Affairs Vance Marbury and Public Safety Coordinator Bob Antonelli who worked hard to plan this event. We also thank 3-S Towing for donating the vehicles used in the demonstration.
Assistant Chief Dave Rowell from Euclid Fire Department and our Euclid Police Officers Ricky Jackson, Brandon Moore, Chardell Rodriguez and Lieutenant Barron were instrumental in getting everything organized and made the event possible.
We hope the Prom Promise will serve as an important reminder for students to think ahead, support one another, and make decisions that keep themselves and others safe. As students prepare for upcoming celebrations, the message is simple: Have a plan, look out for your friends, and make choices that allow everyone to return home safely.
