Timberlake students get crash course in drinking, driving

SPIRIT LAKE - A fatal car crash occurred Tuesday, but, thankfully it was not real.

The staged tragedy was, rather, a timely reminder for Timberlake's graduating seniors to avoid drinking and driving.

Dozens of first responders from throughout the region participated in a mock DUI crash Tuesday at the high school in Spirit Lake.

And those adults-to-be — those Tigers — watched as the horrific lesson played out.

“We do this because we love them and we want to help them make good decisions and show them the reality of what bad decisions can do,” said Kevin Ward, a Spirit Lake cop and Timberlake's very own resource officer.

The importance of awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence is heightened as Memorial Day weekend and graduation season approach.

“Our goal is for young adults to take this educational experience, focus on distracted and impaired driving and make responsible decisions. Our whole community can be impacted by one decision. We appreciate everyone’s involvement today,” said Timberlake Principal Ryne Eberlin.

Observers said students reacted emotionally as all on hand watched student actors in cars that crash.

“It felt very real, I mean Parker wasn’t moving, he genuinely looked dead. I couldn’t see anyone in the car, they were just screaming and crying and ambulances showed up one after another,” Timberlake senior Allison Wheeler said.

Several first responders participated in the event, including representatives from Spirit Lake Police, Spirit Lake Fire, Timberlake Fire, Spokane Sheriff's Office, Kootenai County Coroner's Office, Idaho State Chaplain Corps and Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council. Cars were donated by Schaffer’s Towing.

Chris Jarstad is a teacher at Timberlake High School.