Every 32 minutes at Aberdeen High School Tuesday morning, a student’s name was read over the intercom. Aberdeen Fire Department personnel wheeled a gurney into that student’s classroom and took them out. A friend would read an obituary to the school about their friend who had just lost their life in an impaired driving accident.

The Every 32 Minutes program is designed to give students a realistic idea of the impacts impaired driving can have. County traffic safety coordinator Susan Bradbury said the key is to make it as realistic as possible to show the real cost of impaired driving. One student wept openly as she read her friend’s obituary.

“During the spring months, with graduation and prom, we see an increase in driving under the influence and minor in possession in the 16- to 19-year-old age group. When we do this program we see an average 65 percent decrease in these violations,” said Bradbury. “We don’t get funding from the state for this program. Sheriff (Rick) Scott believes that if it saves one kid, it’s worth the investment. We staff this event with each agency involved shouldering the bill.”

Outside, there was a mock car crash featuring three students and two cars. Aberdeen Police arrived first and provided aid until Aberdeen Fire personnel took over. One student was dead at the scene and, in front the entire student body, a blanket was placed over his body. Another student had to be extricated from a car with the Jaws of Life. An emergency helicopter landed in the soccer field across from the school and that student was placed on it to be airlifted.

The program is done five times a year throughout the region, said Bradbury, alternating schools every two years “so every student can see it twice before graduation.”

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD An Aberdeen High School student is worked on by an Aberdeen Police officer at a staged car crash Monday morning.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD A helicopter from Northwest Airlift takes off from the soccer field near Aberdeen High School Monday morning. Just prior an Aberdeen student playing the role of a seriously injured car crash was placed aboard, part of the Every 32 Minutes program to teach young people about the impact of impaired driving.