Every fifteen minutes, someone’s life is abruptly cut short because of a preventable, alcohol-related car crash. This alarming statistic may seem distant—until it hits close to home. The “Every Fifteen Minutes” program aims to bring this reality into sharp focus through an unforgettable and emotional experience.
“It’s super impactful because… people could step into our shoes and have this experience, but I think it’s a way of scaring people almost into doing the right thing,” said Lena Besh (‘25).
On April 2nd and 3rd, Amador Valley High School hosted the powerful two-day event to educate students about the dangers of drinking and driving. The program included a realistic car crash simulation and a somber mock funeral, both designed to highlight the life-altering consequences of one poor decision.
“It made me realize the reality of the situation. I could have really died if this was a real scenario. My life ending would impact the people I love around me like my friends and family,” said Danny Park (‘26).
A Crash That Hits Home
The event began on April 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with a staged car crash on the football field. The harrowing scene was complete with wrecked vehicles, bloodied students, and the wail of sirens. First responders arrived in real time—police, paramedics, and firefighters—performing mock rescues and arresting the impaired “driver.”
“I think there were a lot of people… who were very invested in it, and I heard from others that it was very moving,” said Jayden Wood (‘25). “It makes you more aware of your actions in the future.”
The simulation was designed to shock students into recognizing how quickly life can change.
“Even this morning when I was saying bye to my mom… now every time I leave the house, I make sure I get a good goodbye, because you never really know what could happen to you,” said Besh (‘25).
The Funeral That Followed
On April 3rd, the gym was transformed into a space for mourning. Students witnessed a mock funeral, complete with grieving parents and emotional speeches from those who “lost” friends in the crash. It was a moment of silence, reflection, and reckoning.
“It really brought to perspective how fast something can happen. You could just be going anywhere and it could happen—not even your fault,” said Lyla Utikal (‘26). “Seeing people you know… with blood on their faces—it puts things into perspective.”
Students who participated in the event reflected deeply on their experience. “Being a victim of the crash, just laying there, I was thinking about the reactions of the people watching—like my friends who were reacting to me dying. …Hearing their yells really opened my eyes,” said Park (‘26). “It made me realize I could have really died. My life ending would hurt the people I love.”
A Message That Stays
The “Every Fifteen Minutes” program is more than an event—it’s an emotional reckoning. It confronts students with the very real and devastating effects of drunk driving, urging them to make better choices before it’s too late.
“I’d hope the people I know see this as an eye opener—that drunk driving could really affect someone they care about,” Park said. “If they ever find themselves in that scenario, I hope they remember this moment and make the right decision. It’s not just something that happens to other people.”
By the end of the two-day experience, the hope is that students carry this message with them—not just for a day, or a week, but every fifteen minutes. Because every decision matters. And one smart choice can save a life.
