Mock Crash and Speaker Presentations Program
Educating Students Through Realistic Demonstration
The Mock Crash and Speaker Presentations Program is offered to schools and other partners. The goal of the program is to educate young drivers as to potential outcomes when poor choices are made while behind the wheel or as a passenger. Those outcomes typically include how a family’s finances and the individual’s own licensure, insurance, social life, health, education opportunities and employment options can be affected following a crash – even when it isn’t severe.
Overview
A Live Crash Simulation Experience
This immersive educational program helps students understand the life-changing consequences of impaired and distracted driving through realistic demonstrations, expert insight, and personal stories. Participants gain a deeper understanding of how one decision can affect individuals, families, and entire communities for years to come.
First Half of the Program
- Opening remarks from local stakeholders and community leaders
- Live Narration through crash simulation
- 911 call playback and emergency response activation
- Rescue and scene response by Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and towing partners
- Interactive Q&A with first responders and prosecutors
Second Half of the Program
- Educational session explaining crash physics and injury causes
- Discussion of long-term legal, financial, and personal consequences
- Personal testimony from an at-fault driver, victim, or family member
Optional Follow-Up
- Mock trial with scenario members (often with a local judge) later in the school year to reinforce the program’s message
For Interested Schools
Design Options
Each program is customized to meet the needs of the school and community, allowing organizers to tailor the message, tone, and educational focus for their audience. Scenarios can be adapted to reflect current traffic safety concerns, local enforcement priorities, and the age or experience level of participants. Design options include:
- Severity of the injuries portrayed in the crash scene (ranging from significant, life changing injury to a fatality option);
- Which Behavior is to be addressed (fatigue, speeding, impairment, unrestrained passengers, distractions or emotional driving); and
- National, State or Local Highway Safety Campaigns to be addressed, such as the “Move Over” law, “Work Zone Safety” initiatives, “Click It or Ticket” enforcement etc.
Participation Requirements
Successful programs require coordination between school staff, community partners, and participating students to ensure the experience is safe, organized, and impactful. Advance planning helps tailor the event to the school’s goals while creating a realistic and engaging educational environment for all participants. The program is free, but there are requirements – such as:
- Two hours for the program;
- Setting aside a rain date;
- School Administration must support the effort with determining crash scene location and other design options;
- Viewing students must complete Before and After Surveys (school chooses from a question bank based on scenario type);
- Support by student organizations, clubs or classes as victims, reporters and auditorium tech crews. Drama students often apply realistic makeup on scenes with severe injuries; and
- Providing tech – mics and speakers for the program (or working with a local provider such as MusicLand)
Program Videos
See Previous Mock Crash Presentations in Action
Watch highlights from past mock crash programs to see how schools and community partners bring these impactful educational experiences to life. These videos showcase realistic crash scenarios, emergency response demonstrations, and powerful presentations designed to encourage safer driving decisions among students.
For Interested Partners
Vehicle Tow and Recovery/Salvage Companies
Donation of a clean salvage vehicle with tow to and removal following the scene
911/Emergency Call Center
Providing a 911 call taped to portray the developed scene following opening remarks
Law Enforcement Agencies
Scene Narration, Response to the crash, in some cases the interview/arrest of an at-fault driver
Fire Departments
Scene Narration, Response to the crash with extrication of victims
EMS/Critical Response Teams
Scene Response and treatment, Transport to
Funeral Homes
Removal of a deceased victim, participating in narration and Q&A following the outside scene
Insurance Partner/Risk Manager
Describing cost of scene to the at-fault driver during the Q&A following the outside scene
State Highway Partner/Roadway Construction Company
Assist with providing props for the scene such as guardrail or bystanders
Other
Other partners that have participated previously include Music/Arts stores, local Cable/News providers, School Bus Transportation & Contractors, etc.
…it was excellently executed! Thank you for coordinating all the responders and making the Mock Crash happen!
Ginnie Bullis
C Milton Wright Drama Instructor
Thank you for hosting the Mock Crash at Mt. Hebron. We received so much positive feedback from the students, community and the participants. We appreciate all you did to bring this to our community.
Allison McCoy
Mt. Hebron High School Vice Principal
I didn’t see the Mock Crash or the presentation, but when the kids came in to eat lunch they were all talking about it. I heard ALL positive feedback – about how they learned a lot of really important information, the speakers made them cry, and the presentation got through to them. No one made fun of it or joked about it – and these are kids that often would joke around if they didn’t take something seriously.
Maraila Steighner
Calvert High School Teacher
FAQ
Have a question about our Mock Crash and Speaker Presentations Program? Review the frequently asked questions relating to this program.
Not seeing your question listed? Give us a call at 800-875-4770 or send us an email at debbie@ChesapeakeSC.org
Is there a cost associated with the Mock Crash and Speaker Presentations Program?
No, there is no fee to host a Mock Crash and Speaker Presentations Program at your school.
Can a school have the outside crash scenario without the inside education component?
No. We are very much focused on educating young drivers in a realistic way about why and how the crash and injuries occurred and how that can change lives, in some cases forever.
Can a school have the education component without the outside scenario?
Yes. We will develop a scenario to discuss inside, still using participating students, behaviors of concern, local roadway situations and relevant information by local partners – along with reconstructing how the crash and injuries occurred.
Are the before and after surveys necessary?
Yes – we build programs off of the responses and determine whether there is a change in knowledge and behaviors after the scenes.
I’d like to discuss being a partner or presenter. Who do I contact?
Email Debbie@chesapeakesc.org
Does the scene have to include a fatality?
No. The school administration will determine scene severity.
What group of students typically participate in portraying the at-fault driver and victims?
The school will determine which group of students participate, but most often they are Criminal Justice Students, SADD or other service club members or school students considered leaders and influential by their peers.
Do you need a full two hours?
No. This is not a shock and awe program, we are very much focused on educating young drivers in a realistic way about why and how the crash and injuries occurred and how that can change lives, in some cases forever.
Can a school request a program without a rain date?
If there is to be an outside scenario, a rain date is required.
Interested in Learning More About Our Mock Crash and Speaker Presentations Program?
Reach out to Debbie by email: debbie@chesapeakesc.org
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out to you!
