Project Safe Prom Returns with Powerful Message for Knox County Students

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - For the first time in 15 years, Knox County high school students got a firsthand look at the consequences of dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

Juniors from North Knox, South Knox, Vincennes Lincoln and Vincennes Catholic attended Project Safe Prom on Thursday.

“I want them to see what could happen if bad choices are made,” said Knox County Deputy Coroner Gordon Becher.

The event brought together several local agencies, including firefighters, law enforcement, the coroner’s office, ambulance services and Central Dispatch, along with a funeral home and towing service.

Actors helped bring the scenario to life, with some portraying crash victims and others acting as distraught family members.

The demonstration centered around a staged crash caused by a drunk driver.

Students first saw what happens in the critical moments after a crash.

They then watched as first responders worked to rescue victims, including using the Jaws of Life to remove the top of a vehicle.

The scenario also showed a severely injured patient being airlifted to a hospital.

The demonstration also highlighted the impact these situations have not only on victims, but on their families and loved ones.

In one scene, a grandmother arrived and learned her grandchild had died.

The demonstration then showed the crash scene being cleared, vehicles towed away, and concluded with a hearse and funeral procession.

Project Safe Prom began in Knox County in 1996 but ended in 2011.

“It became very difficult to get this put together,” Becher said.

Becher said renewed interest helped bring the event back this year.

The effort required significant planning, with multiple agencies working together to make it happen.

“If these kids take away one thing from this, I hope it’s to stop and think before you make a bad decision. Take time to think about what you’re doing,” Becher said.

Becher said there is hope the event will return next year.