Padilla High School students witness emotional crash simulation to learn about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving

Rochester, New York – A powerful and sobering event unfolded at Padilla High School on the morning of May 20, 2025, as students witnessed the harsh reality of impaired and distracted driving during a live crash simulation. Designed to educate and raise awareness, the event took place on the Franklin Campus and brought together emergency responders, educators, and health professionals for a realistic and emotional learning experience.

The simulation kicked off at 9:15 a.m. in the school parking lot, near the tennis courts, where students gathered to watch a staged motor vehicle accident. Student volunteers played the roles of crash victims in a lifelike scene involving damaged vehicles, mock injuries, and panicked bystanders. Sirens soon followed as emergency crews from the Rochester Fire Department and the Office of Traffic Safety arrived and acted out a full emergency response.

“This is an educational piece for students to understand the dangers of distracted and drunk driving, especially with prom season coming up,” said Adam Rodger, Acting Principal of Padilla High School. The event, he emphasized, was not just a performance but a serious learning opportunity timed to coincide with the season when teens face heightened risks on the road.

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As part of the demonstration, students watched in silence as firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extract one of the student actors from a vehicle. The simulation included an ambulance arrival, emergency treatment on the scene, and even the presence of law enforcement to mirror a real investigation into the cause of the crash. Every detail was meant to bring the scenario as close to real life as possible.

For many students, the message was deeply personal. “I felt like this had a big impact,” said Abdieo Flores, one of the student participants. “I think this is a great thing to learn, experience, and see and to let everyone know that things like this can happen if you are not careful.”

The outdoor portion of the event was followed by an indoor debriefing session that began at 9:45 a.m. inside the school building. Representatives from Strong Memorial Hospital led the discussion, focusing not just on the physical dangers of reckless driving, but also on the emotional toll such traumatic events can take on survivors, witnesses, and families. Students were encouraged to reflect on what they had just seen and to talk openly about the feelings it evoked.

The mental health portion of the program emphasized the importance of seeking help after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Health professionals shared stories from real-life crash victims and explained how psychological support is a crucial part of recovery.

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The crash reenactment comes at a time of year when teens are preparing for prom, graduation, and summer break — a season when risky behaviors like drinking and texting while driving often increase. School officials hope the dramatic experience will leave a lasting impression and influence students to make safer choices when behind the wheel or as passengers.

The collaborative effort between Padilla High School, the Rochester Fire Department, the Office of Traffic Safety, and Strong Memorial Hospital highlights the importance of community partnerships in educating young people and saving lives.

As students filed out of the gym after the debriefing session, the mood remained quiet and reflective. The message was clear: one bad decision can lead to lifelong consequences. For those who witnessed the simulation, it was a lesson that will likely stay with them long after prom season ends.