Cuba volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel conducted a mock car crash at Cuba High School last Friday. The dramatic recreation was held prior to the Cuba High School prom and serves as an end-of-the-school-year reminder of the consequences of unsafe driving.
Participating agencies include the Village of Cuba Fire Department, PMS Ambulance, New Mexico State Police, Sandoval County Fire Department, Classic Air Medical, and Cuba High School student interns.
In a press release, Cuba Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rick Romero said, “Mock crashes are a dramatic presentation to educate teenagers about the true consequences of poor driving decisions. When students see their friends and peers carried out in body bags, and another being handcuffed, it hits home. It’s a strong message that aims to influence their driving choices, especially at such a potentially dangerous time on the road.”
Romero encouraged parents to talk with their kids about safe driving practices.
“Just because a teen has their license does not mean they are experienced, safe drivers. Parents must stay involved with a teen’s driving just as they do with their grades, athletics and other activities,” Romero said.
Romero knows first-hand the terrible effect that fatal car crashes have on the community. He was the first responder to the scene of a wreck in February in which his stepdaughter, 44-year-old Tonya Sanchez was killed. Sanchez, a mother of four, had her 18-year-old daughter Oceanus in the vehicle during the crash. Oceanus was hospitalized and underwent multiple surgeries.
According to Romero, “40% of fatal car crashes in New Mexico in 2022 [involved] drugs or alcohol. It’s not just alcohol anymore. We’re talking about this major influx of fentanyl and other drugs in our communities, and I’ve got to say that it is leading to a lot of crashes.”