Big Bend educates folks about substance abuse

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College invites community members to learn about the dangers of substance abuse Thursday.

The event features a mock car crash and simulated impaired-driving experience (SIDNE) to demonstrate the results of drunk driving. There are speakers from local agencies including the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Moses Lake Police Department and the Grant County Fire District 5.

The event starts at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. It is held in the Masto Conference Center in the college’s ATEC building.

High school students are encouraged to attend but the speakers and the event are not suitable for young children.

People have the opportunity to watch the speakers.

The mock car crash is a pre-planned display where the public has the opportunity to witness how law enforcement, emergency responders and the coroner would handle a real drunk-driving crash resulting in injuries and fatalities. The display is located in the parking lot between the 1800 and 2000 buildings.

The SIDNE offers drivers the opportunity to safely operate a vehicle in an “impaired-driving mode.” The SIDNE vehicle is available for the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The demonstration is held at 1600 Building’s parking lot.

Big Bend Community College is located at 7662 Chanute Street N.E. in Moses Lake.

For further information, contact Ryann Leonard at ryannl@bigbend.edu or call 509-793-2222 .Check the Big Bend Web site for more information at www.bigbend.edu/.

— Staff report