Law enforcement, first responders and various emergency personnel teamed up Monday to send an important message to young people about the dangers of drinking and driving with a mock traffic accident being staged at the Cherokee County High School football stadium.

With the CCHS prom set for Saturday – Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jordan Kelley felt this was the right time to drive home the harsh reality of just what can happen to someone when they choose to mix alcohol or drugs with driving.

Investigator Kelley has been with the Sheriff’s Office in Cherokee County for approximately a year now – and has previously worked as a Traffic Homicide Investigator and as a Student Resource Officer, so he knows first-hand the peer pressure teenagers’ face when it comes to drinking and he knows the horrible aftermath of a fatal car crash.

Monday’s demonstration, in front of around 500 students, showed what takes place when a collision occurs and the occupants are seriously hurt, and in this case one student is fatality injured.  Centre Fire Chief Will Gardner and several firefighters demonstrated the use of the tools and equipment necessary to remove victims from the vehicles, meanwhile emergency personnel moved other victims to ambulances or a helicopter to be taken for treatment.

One student, acting as an impaired driver, was taken aside and given a Field Sobriety Test.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver stressed he wants everyone to have a good time during this year’s prom – but reminds everyone that the biggest part of having a good time is being around to remember it for years to come.