Winnipeg emergency services members work to remove an “injured” woman from a wrecked car during the mock collision.

Approximately 250 Grade 11 and 12 students from five high schools witnessed a full-scale crash scene simulation at Red River Exhibition Park on May 26. The graphic scene was a vivid reminder of the risks these students will face as graduation celebrations begin and more young people take to the road.

The event was one of the mock collisions presented each year by the Manitoba Brain Injury Association Inc. along with Manitoba Public Insurance, RCMP, Winnipeg Police Services, Winnipeg Emergency Services and Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.). They are aimed at students because young adults between 16 and 24 years have the highest rate of injury in vehicle collisions.

The theme of this year’s mock collision was ‘Math of a Crash’, showing how risk factors such as speed, driver distractions, poor visibility and impairment can add up and result in injury or death. The realistic re-enactment depicted the tragic aftermath of a crash to drive home the consequences of poor decisions behind the wheel. Students watched as emergency services responded at the scene, just as they would at a real crash site.