Tioga Center holds mock accident

On Thursday, May 24, the Tioga Central’s Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) held a mock accident that focused on texting and distracted driving.  

With student actors in place, the accident welcomed an assembly of students outside to witness the consequences that can become a reality when a fatal crash occurs due to a driver being distracted while driving. 

Prior to the students being led out to the staging area of the accident on the school grounds, Athens Bureau Police Chief Chris Hutchison, parent of a student involved in the accident, gave an introduction, and then took the students back in time to the worst night of her life.  

Once outside, the students witnessed the chaos and horror that ensued when a student crashed with another vehicle because they weren’t paying attention to the road.

With fake blood, crashed up cars, and graphic images, it was the hopes of the organizers that the students might make better choices during the upcoming prom and graduation season.

For the scenario, the school year was winding down and the seniors wanted to get their skip day in. They had planned it so well that even Mr. Roe didn’t know.

The guys had been at John’s playing Fortnight most of the night. Max couldn’t go play, so he met up with the girls at Martha’s house. The girls wanted coffee and snacks for skip day so they went to the Dandy.

Charlie was texting her mom, telling her she was on the way to skip day as she came across 282 from Nichols. The guys were talking as they came past the school. The radio was playing and they were talking about fortnight. 

Anna was turned around watching a video with Max and Martha.

Charlie never slowed for the stop sign.

The boys looked up just seconds before.

In car one, Charlie Hall, the driver who was texting, had arm and facial injuries as a result of the accident. Anna Schumacher, a front seat passenger, went through the windshield and died in the crash. Martha Schumacher was in the back seat behind the driver and was pinned in the car with leg injuries.

In car two, Trey Floyd, the driver, suffered from head and neck injuries and severe facial wounds. Justin Rockwell, a front seat passenger, suffered arm and leg injuries and Connor Hutchinson, who was in the back seat behind the driver, also died in the accident. Dylan Gowan, who was in the back seat behind the passenger, was pinned in the car and suffered leg injuries.

The Tioga Center and Nichols Fire Department handled the mock accident, and were assisted by the State Police, the Tioga County Sheriff’s Department, and Estey-Munroe and Fahey Funeral Home. A panel discussion followed the accident.

Janice Barto, SADD advisor and middle school math teacher, was the program coordinator for the mock accident. State Trooper Jessica Poole and Tioga County Sheriff Dylan Tiefenthaler were part of the mock accident scene. Jeremy Dixon assisted with make-up.