For four years, I have been able to have an involved role with Safe Communities Humboldt and Area's annual PARTY Program for students.

The day is all about showing students what can happen if they are drinking and driving or making other bad choices. For years, the program has involved a mock car crash scene, but not until recent years have they involved a somewhat live scene.

There are three people who play roles - the person driving the vehicle that hits someone else and their passenger, who is dead. That of course means there is a victim in the other vehicle.

I have been able to play all three roles to experience the scene from all angles. 

This week I was the victim and had to be rescued from my vehicle.

The scene does get your heart beating a little bit faster, with the fire crew having to smash the driver's window to try and get in the vehicle. Although there is a tarp that covers you up, it is still slightly nerve-racking to have glass smashed right on you. 

Following that, the spinal board comes out and they take you to the ambulance on a stretcher and in real life, of course, to the hospital.

Last year I played the dead person's role, and although they don't of course go the full distance on acting out that scene, it is still pretty eerie to be placed in a body bag.

The mock crash is certainly a good reminder for not only myself, but I would hope for students as well, for the potential consequences of making a poor decision.

It is something that I am pleased to assist with and stand up for and look forward to the opportunity to assist in anyway I can each year.