- About NIU
- Academics
- Admissions
- Alumni Association
- Campus Life
- Employment
- Giving To NIU
- Huskie Athletics
- News & Events
- Outreach &
Community Resources - Regional Sites
- Research
- Visit NIU
Subscribe to NIU News
| E-Mail
News Release
Contact: Officer Jennifer Saam, NIU Police
(815) 753-1212
Oct. 11, 2005
NIU police to stage mock DUI crash
DeKALB, Ill. – Police from Northern Illinois University will stage their third annual “mock” DUI crash at 7 p.m., Thursday Oct. 13, outside of the Convocation Center.
The demonstration is part of efforts to encourage students to be safe in their observance of NIU Homecoming 2005, which is this weekend.
Two damaged vehicles will be provided by Lovett’s Towing and positioned as if they just collided. NIU Police officers will then respond to the scene and discover multiple accident victims in need of emergency medical treatment. The offending driver will be arrested.
“This is a powerful, real-life demonstration of what can happen when a little seemingly innocent partying is mixed with something as serious as driving,” said NIU Police Sergeant Len Grzesiak.
Several other agencies and groups will assist with the event. The DeKalb Fire Department will have several rescuers and vehicles on the scene to extract the victims from the cars using the Jaws of Life. Phi Kappa Theta fraternity will provide role players for the victims and driver. Finally, OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford will land their LifeLine helicopter on scene as if to transport the critically injured.
Emergency medical services personnel from Kishwaukee Community Hospital will also be attending with many of their students so that they can witness what actually happens at a crash scene. They will also be providing imitation blood to be used by the accident victims.
“Many people have put a lot of time and effort into this event in hopes of keeping our students and local residents safe this weekend,” Grezesiak said. “I can’t stress enough how dangerous drunk driving can be. That’s why we sponsor our free Late Night Ride service to the community,” he said. That service transports students in the DeKalb area between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. each night.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving will also be at the event to provide literature describing the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence.
The “mock” DUI crash is being held in conjunction with the “Yell Like Hell” event that takes place inside the Convocation Center beginning at 8 p.m.
###