On March 30, 21 members of the Clayton Valley community were “killed” in accidents caused by drunk drivers. The living dead left their classes as their deaths were announced, leaving nothing but a headstone in the quad to fill the void they left behind.

Their absence on campus was punctuated by an eerie heartbeat broadcast throughout the day to symbolize the lives that are affected by drunk driving every 15 minutes.

Though car accidents, many due to driving under the influence, are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds, most teens feel immune to this statistic. The two-day Every 15 Minutes program is designed to eliminate those feelings of indifference and immunity toward drunk driving by displaying the harsh reality of such an accident with victims the student body cares about and can relate to – their peers.

Under the gaze of the sophomore and junior classes as well as the white-painted faces of the living dead, five students participated in a brutally realistic simulated car crash. The pain and gore of the crash brought up many emotions, even tears, as police officers and firefighters flooded the scene. “I cried!” said sophomore Maggie Keenan. “When that mother saw her son in the car, I imagined how that would be for my mom and how she would feel if it were me. Just imagine the pain she must feel, seeing her own child covered in blood.”

While the accident seemed very real for the spectators, it was taken to the next level for the participants and their families. Soaked in fake blood, the injured students were rushed to the hospital by ambulance and helicopter. The deceased passenger was zipped into a body bag and taken to the morgue.

The drunk driver responsible for the crash was given field sobriety tests, then taken to jail – where he underwent the typical procedures for a minor charged with driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

All of this was taped and played back at the memorial service the following day. Though the film deeply affected the audience as they watched the crash scene unfold once more, it was the student and parent heartfelt farewell letters that really touched the crowd.

“I found the letters that the parents and kids read really moving,” said sophomore Whitney Rojas. “It gave them the chance to show how much they appreciate one another, which they might not have been able to do otherwise.”

The event’s message was also emphasized by guest speakers, including Sgt. Scott Dansie of the Clayton Police Department, Capt. Brian Wiesendanger of the Concord Police Department and Rich Latimer, an Australian musician whose brother suffered severe brain injuries from a car accident with a drunk driver at the wheel.

“Every 15 Minutes really influenced me,” said sophomore Eric Lozoya. “After what I’ve seen, I could never get behind the wheel after drinking.”