Real Lessons, Real Impact: Educating Teens Through Mock DWI & Distracted Driving Drills
At Mercy Flight Central, our mission to save lives doesn’t start at the moment of crisis—it begins long before, through community outreach and education. This past spring, our flight teams were honored to take part in a series of impactful safety demonstrations across the region, aimed at preventing tragedies before they happen.
In collaboration with local law enforcement, trauma centers, and school districts, we participated in both mock DWI crash scenes and distracted driving simulations—bringing to life the real consequences of impaired and distracted driving for hundreds of high school students. These drills are designed to create powerful, unforgettable learning moments, especially during the high-risk season of prom and graduation.
Here’s a snapshot of where we’ve been and who we’ve worked with:
· Phelps High School, Ontario County – DWI Drill (June 6, 2025)
· Westmoreland High School, Oneida County – Distracted Driving alongside SUNY Trauma’s “Let’s Not Meet by Accident” program (May 30, 2025)
· Clyde-Savannah High School, Wayne County – DWI Drill (May 16, 2025)
· Oriskany High School, Oneida County – DWI Drill with Oneida County Sheriff's Office Stop DWI Coordinator (May 14, 2025)
· Moravia High School, Cayuga County – Distracted Driving Simulation (May 13, 2025)
· Oneida City School District, Madison County – DWI Drill (May 1, 2025)
· Canastota High School, Madison County – Distracted Driving Simulation (April 10, 2025)
During each event, students witnessed full-scale emergency responses—complete with simulated injuries, helicopter landings, and emotional reenactments of the aftermath. These experiences are not designed to scare but to inform and inspire. Our goal is to help young people make safer choices behind the wheel, whether it’s saying no to drinking and driving or simply putting the phone down.
“This type of outreach is just as important as the missions we fly every day,” said Jeff Bartkoski, President and CEO of Mercy Flight Central. “If even one student walks away with a changed mindset, it’s time well spent.”
We are grateful to the schools, public safety partners, and hospital teams who made these events possible. Together, we’re not just responding to emergencies—we’re helping prevent them.