Drug prevention program May 14

MOSES LAKE - A mock crash - that includes a mock arrest for driving under the influence - will be among the activities during the eighth annual Community Partnership Against Drug Abuse, scheduled for May 14 at Big Bend Community College.

Events and speakers are scheduled for most of the day, from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Presentations will be in the Masto Conference Center in the ATEC building, and related events in the adjacent parking lot, college spokesman Doug Sly said.

Speakers and demonstrations are not suitable for young children.

The program will include a DUI victim panel.

Speakers will include emergency services personnel, who will share some of their experiences at accidents where intoxicating substances were involved. Other speakers will talk about local and general drug statistics, Sly said, and keeping people from driving under the influence. Gizmo, a K9, and his handler will be there during the day, and the handler will talk about Gizmo's tasks.

Attendees can try SIDNE, a simulated impaired-driving vehicle, where people try to stay on a prepared course. The presenters also will bring goggles that simulate alcohol impairment, and participants can try to walk down a prepared course while wearing them.

The mock crash follows what happens when there's a driving-impaired accident, from the arrival of emergency personnel to the removal of people pinned inside the vehicle, from the police investigation to the arrival of the coroner. Emergency responders also talk about their jobs and will answer questions from the audience.

The program is sponsored by BBCC and the Central Basin Safety Task Force. People who want more information can contact Ryann Leonard at the college, 509-793-2183.