SFD Simulates Dramatic DUI Crash and Trial Experience at SRRHS

As prom and graduation season approaches, the Sedona Fire District (SFD) and Sedona-Oak Creek School District are reintroducing the Every 15 Minutes program at Sedona Red Rock High School. This initiative, occurring on April 10 and 11, aims to advocate for responsible celebrations among students.

“In a small community like Sedona, the loss of a life can send ripples through our social fabric,” stated SFD Battalion Chief Jeff Wassell. “With prom just around the corner, we hope to underscore the consequences of impaired driving and empower students to prevent such tragedies among their peers.”

Originally implemented from 2005 to 2019, the program examines the implications of driving under the influence. It educates students about the severe legal and emotional repercussions following DUI incidents, particularly fatalities. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, this return signifies a renewed commitment to student safety.

Part of the program included a staged mock accident that involved senior Nic McAtee, portrayed as driving while intoxicated. Accompanied by passengers Phoebe Swaninger and Jaden Kuhn, the event simulated a fatal crash, leading to Swaninger’s on-scene “death” and Kuhn’s subsequent “fatality” at a local medical facility.

“Regardless of one’s academic standing, the choices made in critical moments can have lifelong repercussions,” Swaninger reflected. “Our scenario depicts a straight-A student who made a grave mistake and must face the consequences.”

Participants were carefully selected to resonate with their classmates in order to amplify the program’s impact. “We’re aiming for students who hold significant influence over their peers,” Wassell explained regarding the selection criteria.

On the following day, the mock trial featured a narrative showcasing the far-reaching effects of a DUI. McAtee, who appeared in a detention jumpsuit, faced Judge David Gordon in a realistic courtroom setting. The trial was followed by a mock funeral presided over by Pastor Jeremy Peters, where students engaged in poignant remembrance activities.

“This experience truly illustrates how a single poor decision can alter lives forever,” McAtee remarked after the trial.

The emotional weight of this program was palpable. As attendees witnessed the recreations of funeral services and eulogies, many found themselves deeply moved. Superintendent Tom Swaninger, father of one of the participants, noted the deliberate obscurity surrounding the students’ roles, enhancing authenticity among their family members.

Historically, the program’s name stems from a time when statistics indicated a death from alcohol-related accidents occurred every 15 minutes. While improvements in road safety have reduced that figure, the CDC reported that in 2020, 32 people die daily in crashes involving alcohol impairment—about one fatality every 45 minutes.

Despite the emotional intensity of programs like Every 15 Minutes, some studies suggest limited effectiveness in altering behavior. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has indicated that most such initiatives lack comprehensive evaluations. However, Superintendent Swaninger remains optimistic, citing personal anecdotes from community members who found the experience impactful.

Wassell shared a haunting memory from a previous accident that involved a student from Sedona Red Rock High School, reinforcing how deeply such tragedies affect communities and first responders alike. “You always think, it won’t happen here,” Wassell said. “But it does, and the effects linger well beyond the immediate tragedy.”