Students across Mercer County experienced a sobering and realistic demonstration Tuesday as part of a mock crash program aimed at preventing dangerous driving behaviors.

The event, held at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, was organized by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Fort Recovery High School’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) organization, along with several local emergency response agencies.

The program brought together junior and senior students from all six Mercer County high schools to witness a simulated crash scene, designed to show the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving, as well as the importance of seat belt use.

Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman said the goal was to make the dangers feel real and relatable for students.

“First off, I hope they take the message to heart,” Timmerman said. “It’s just a lot more than about drinking and driving. It’s distracted driving and so often we see crashes now with people paying attention to their cell phones and not paying attention to the road.”

Timmerman emphasized that crashes caused by distraction are becoming increasingly common and can have lifelong consequences.

“We see that far too often and try to drive a message home that this can happen to any one of us here in this county,” he said. “Losing a life, you’ll never get that back. You don’t want people living with injuries for the rest of their life because of a bad choice either.”

He also stressed that students always have alternatives and should never feel forced to make a dangerous decision behind the wheel.

“Nobody’s in that big of a hurry. Nobody can’t find a ride if they needed one,” Timmerman said.

Despite cold weather conditions during the morning event, Timmerman said students appeared engaged and receptive to the message.

The bi annual mock crash program is designed to leave a lasting impression on young drivers and encourage safer decisions on the road before tragedy strikes.