Bradenton, Florida -- It's one thing to tell teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving. It's quite another thing to show them.
This week, dozens of high school students learned first-hand what can happen when they use a cell phone behind the wheel--thanks to a graphic demonstration by other students.
EMT and firefighter students at Manatee Technical Institute created a mock texting-and-driving accident at their campus in Bradenton to show students from nearby Lakewood Ranch High School that a quick text can turn deadly.
In the reenactment, two young people were killed, two were seriously hurt and another was arrested for manslaughter. The scenario was made even more real with the help of Manatee County EMS, East Manatee Fire Rescue, Florida Highway Patrol and a Bayflite helicopter.
"The good news is today is a simulation," said EMT instructor Bobby Thayer. "Today they're fake. This could be real. We're getting ready to remove two dead bodies from this car so FHP can take pictures. Somebody's going to jail because they caused this accident."
MTI senior Eddie Campos played the texting driver responsible for the crash. He told 10 News he's texted and driven in the past but won't do it again.
"I'm not," said Campos. "No...I'm not going to do it."
"People text and drive every day, like probably every car ride," said Lakewood High senior Ryan Praizner who watched the demonstration. "People don't really think about it because it seems harmless when they're doing it."
The MTI safety program is called "We Don't Want to Meet You by Accident" and it was funded by a $2000 grant from State Farm Insurance's "Project Ignition." It's a public service competition designed to help teens spread their own message about driver safety.
"I think today's event really brought it home because it was pretty intense and very real," said State Farm agent Susie Jackson. "Sometimes they need to know somebody that's it's happened to to really get it, but I think this even today really helped tremendously."
Television production students from Southeast High School videotaped the mock accident and will put together a PSA that will be shown in all Manatee County high schools.
10 News