Accident reenactment reaches students
April 13th, 2007 by Kristy
As many drove by Monticello High School this morning something out of the ordinary was happening on school property. Unfortunately, the scene was all too familiar for the many public servants who took part in helping. An organized reenactment of a drunk driving accident was staged for high school students to observe, complete with rescue teams from the Fire Department, Police Department, State Police and ambulance service. A helicopter even landed to med-flight some of the victims.
Teresa Belew, Executive Director for the Arkansas Mothers Against Drunk Driving, visited from Little Rock and spoke to students. She related to the audience that a survey of the youth of Drew County reveals shocking facts. Twelve years of age is the age most reported for having a first taste of alcohol. Of young people who regulary drink alcohol, most say they began regular use at age fourteen. She also reported that in Arkansas alone, there are four to five people killed each week because of an alcohol related accident. Countless others are injured.
Steve Brantley, organizer of the reenactment today, has first-hand experience of an alochol related accident. Today, he shared his story with students of how his wife, Patricia Brantley, was killed in a collision with a drunk driver on June 21, 1996. It forever changed his life and the life of their four children. Steve is passionate about educating others about the dangers of drinking and driving and is very involved in the local chapter of MADD as coordinator for the county.
Choose another article
Newer article: One dead, others injured in wreck on Thursday
Older article: Monticello radio stations sold
Thanks to all who participated in this reinactment. I was there because my niece was in it. They made it REAL, to see my niece put in a body bag and carried off by Charlie Fred Dearman, was a shot to the heart. I thank Steve for his effort to get the kids aware of this deadly act of drinking and driving. I hope the high school kids took this to heart. Hats off to all who participated.
Thanks!!!!
I would like to thank Steve and all the others who helped to put this together. I know it wasn’t an easy project, but I do know that it is a subject that can’t be ignored. To many times drunk driving shatteres the lives of so many inoccent people. How does a Mother suddenly become Mother and Father to children left behind. These children who for the rest of their lives will not have that father to see them graduate, marry, or accomplish life time acheivements.
How do the children release their anger for someone killing their Dad. If people would just take that one step to provide saftey to others. Do not drink and drive. My prayer is that this mock accident made at least 1 person decide it isn’t worth it, and to give up those keys when they have had even 1 drink.
THANK YOU STEVE! Not only for doing this but also for standing up for those whose lives are forever changed due to that senseless drunk driver.
I am a resident of Monticello, living out of town for college, and have had several conversations with my father during the process of organizing this event. I know he is very grateful for the support of Monticello and the school system for allowing him to do this. Many people helped him along the way, and from my understanding, it was a hug success. Our family has endured many sleepless nights due to the impact drunk driving forced upon us. It is important that young children and adults are educated on this topic. I am very proud of my father, Steve, for reaching out to the community on such a controversial topic.
Don’t forget that Jesus loves you