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Volunteer describes mock-crash "Project Prom" and offers to run program for district
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Summary
Rick Hayes, a Clinton County STOP-DWI volunteer, described a staged mock-crash and victim-impact program aimed at preventing impaired-driving among upperclassmen and offered to help organize the program for Lake Placid students; board members asked about trauma risk, parental opt-out and volunteer logistics.
Rick Hayes, a volunteer with the Clinton County STOP-DWI program, urged the Lake Placid Central School District Board of Education to consider bringing “Project Prom,” a staged mock-crash and victim-impact presentation, to the district this spring. “I don’t wanna see anybody in this room have somebody … come to your door … ‘I’m sorry to tell you he was killed in a crash,’” Hayes said, describing why the program targets juniors and seniors.
Hayes outlined the exercise: two vehicles staged in a parking area, emergency responders called to the scene, a coroner removing a (simulated) fatality and a follow-up indoor program where a speaker — often a crash victim or family member — shares the long-term emotional effects. He said organizers recommend limiting the event to juniors and seniors to allow schools to repeat the program every other year and stressed the importance of surprise. “If we can reach one family here, one family or one student, then I think we’ve done our jobs,” Hayes said.
Board members asked about evidence of effectiveness and potential trauma for students. Hayes said he did not have national studies on hand but pointed to local experience: Project Prom began in Clinton County in 1993 and organizers reported no subsequent student-involved crashes after programs were held in those communities. He acknowledged some schools decline the program as “too traumatic” and said parental opt-out would be offered. “Yes,” he said when asked whether parents could request their child opt out.
Officials discussed logistics and supports: the district suggested coordinating a layered approach with mental-health staff, and Hayes recommended forming a local committee that includes fire, law enforcement and EMS volunteers to stage the mock crash and manage permissions and certificates for participants. Hayes offered to handle travel and local organizing support, including bringing program materials and copies of sample packets he uses.
The board welcomed the presentation and said staff would follow up with Hayes to review timing, permissions and mental-health supports before bringing a formal recommendation back to the board.
