MOSS POINT, Mississippi--- It's homecoming week in Moss Point, a time to make lasting memories of fun and celebration. Moss Point School District officials want to make sure their students stay safe during this memorable time. That's why they gave juniors and seniors a life lesson about the consequences of drinking and driving with a DUI death demonstration Tuesday.
"I got a pulse on this one," one rescue worker said as they worked the scene.
The Moss Fire Department, police department, Jackson County Coroner, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Acadian Ambulance, and Unity Funeral Home were all involved. The scene included a wrecked vehicle with multiple victims, some injured, and some not so lucky. Rescue workers say it's a scene they see far too often.
"We do see a lot of motor vehicle accidents, especially in this area with I-10 running through here," said Tim Savage, Moss Point Fire Lieutenant.
"They (teenagers) are at the biggest risk age. With events like prom and homecoming, that risk increases. Hopefully, we can prevent some of this from happening."
Keundra Tansksley was one of several students who participated in the accident scene, portraying one of the injured. She was covered with what looked like blood, and she was unresponsive for several minutes while her peers watched. Rescue crews eventually took her off on a stretcher.
"It was scary. It felt real," said Tansksley. "It felt like, 'was anybody going to ever come, and what's going to happen next.' "
School district officials say they hope the demonstration sends a message loud and clear about the consequences of drinking and driving and helps students think twice about the choices they make.
"It actually is pretty personal for me, because I have had somebody in my family die from it," said Angelica Dammen, a senior at Moss Point High. "They were the victim of the other person running into them. I have a friend whose brother died this way too. I know a lot of people who have been in this type of situation."
"It's emotional, and it's important so they know the true consequences," said Courtney Thompson, a senior. "They shouldn't be drinking at this age anyway."
School district officials say they need parental and community support to enforce the message to teens. Rescue crews emphasized that it's a message they want to remind everyone.
"I got a pulse on this one," one rescue worker said as they worked the scene.
The Moss Fire Department, police department, Jackson County Coroner, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Acadian Ambulance, and Unity Funeral Home were all involved. The scene included a wrecked vehicle with multiple victims, some injured, and some not so lucky. Rescue workers say it's a scene they see far too often.
"We do see a lot of motor vehicle accidents, especially in this area with I-10 running through here," said Tim Savage, Moss Point Fire Lieutenant.
"They (teenagers) are at the biggest risk age. With events like prom and homecoming, that risk increases. Hopefully, we can prevent some of this from happening."
Keundra Tansksley was one of several students who participated in the accident scene, portraying one of the injured. She was covered with what looked like blood, and she was unresponsive for several minutes while her peers watched. Rescue crews eventually took her off on a stretcher.
"It was scary. It felt real," said Tansksley. "It felt like, 'was anybody going to ever come, and what's going to happen next.' "
School district officials say they hope the demonstration sends a message loud and clear about the consequences of drinking and driving and helps students think twice about the choices they make.
"It actually is pretty personal for me, because I have had somebody in my family die from it," said Angelica Dammen, a senior at Moss Point High. "They were the victim of the other person running into them. I have a friend whose brother died this way too. I know a lot of people who have been in this type of situation."
"It's emotional, and it's important so they know the true consequences," said Courtney Thompson, a senior. "They shouldn't be drinking at this age anyway."
School district officials say they need parental and community support to enforce the message to teens. Rescue crews emphasized that it's a message they want to remind everyone.