Belleville East students on Thursday learned about the dangers of drinking and driving.
Students saw a DUI simulation and a fatal mock crash on the campus, an event sponsored by Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes.
It was coordinated with the Belleville fire and police departments, Arch Medical Helicopter and the high school Lifesavers program.
The two-day event draws attention to the consequences of driving udner the influence of alcohol.
During the demonstration, Belleville East student Blake Billhartz played the role of an injured passenger receiving medical care after a crash caused by a drunk driver. Fellow student Joe Rhein portrayed the Grim Reaper, while other student "actors" helped with the presentation.
"We try to do it right before prom and graduation," said Dale Zink, District 201 wellness coordinator. "It's a big season for our kids. We present it to the junior and senior classes."
The program includes visits to local hospitals and to a funeral home, where students learn about the impact of drunken driving and a fatal accident on grieving family members.
