VISTA, Calif. – On April 9, 2024, the California Highway Patrol, in conjunction with Vista High School, will be conducting a simulated drunk driving collision as part of the Every 15 Minutes program. The collision will be staged on the Vista High School’s track and will begin at approximately 10:30 am. The mock collision will take place for approximately one hour. During the mock collision there will be a high concentration of emergency vehicles in the area. We would like to ensure that the public is aware this is a mock emergency incident and that no real emergency actually exists. Numerous pre-designated students will be pulled from class and at the same time a mock obituary will be read by law enforcement personnel to the class. These students represent the number of people who will be serious injured or lose their life at the hands of a drunk driver while they are in school that day.
Every 15 Minutes is a two-day program which demonstrates to high school students the impact drinking and driving has on friends, families, and their community. The first day of the program is highlighted by a simulated traffic collision that will be conducted at the high school involving an impaired teenage driver and fatally injured victim. The event includes emergency responses from police, fire, ambulance, medical helicopter, coroner, and tow truck companies, just as an actual collision would require. The program will conclude with a mock funeral and assembly for students on April 10, 2024.
This event is conducted by the California Highway Patrol, with support from the county of San Diego, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Vista Fire Department, Reach Air Medical Services, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Adams Towing, 8-29 Urgent Care and many other community partners and affiliates.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
All media inquiries should be forwarded to Officer Hunter Gerber at the Oceanside Office of the California Highway Patrol. The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security to the people of California.
