It's prom season at high schools throughout Western Pennsylvania. While teens see it as a time to celebrate their youth and enjoy a night out, many adults no doubt see it as an opportunity for serious injuries to be suffered in situations where teens engage in unsafe behavior on the road, such as drunk driving. In addition to homecoming and graduation, prom is one of the worst weekends for teenaged drunk drivers.

In an effort to try to combat this, some area communities take steps to try to combat this. Two area high schools joined together to try to get the message across. Students from both schools participated in a mock car crash. The crash was staged to appear as though it occurred on the way home from the dance, complete with girls in their prom dresses. The organization Students Against Destructive Decisions was responsible for the event.

The tableau was quite realistic. In addition to two "victims" being placed in body bags, emergency vehicles, including a helicopter, were called to the site. While emergency workers tended to victims, some students underwent field sobriety tests.

There was a good reason for SADD to organize the performance. In 2011, a total of 11,805 individuals died as a result of drivers who were intoxicated. Of those deaths, 26 percent were young people between the ages of 16 and 20.

While all car accidents resulting in injury or death are upsetting, when alcohol is involved it is that much worse. This is because the behavior is one that is prohibited throughout the state.

Source: The Almanac, "Mock car crash shows dangers of drunk driving," Terri Johnson, April 19, 2013