ABOVE: Local emergency response crews take action in a mock crash put on for high school students Wednesday afternoon outside Fairmont High School.

FAIRMONT– Dozens of high school students saw the bleak reality of what poor driving practices could lead to when a mock crash took place Wednesday afternoon outside Fairmont High School. Multiple local agencies participated in the crash, which was put on for high school students from Fairmont and Granada-Huntley-East Chain.

Martin County Sheriff Jeff Markquart said it was held to educate and help young adults see what can happen in the blink of an eye. With area prom festivities and graduation season coming up, the desire to send a message to students on the importance of smart driving was at the foreground.

“We hope that by showing these young adults what could happen, that they make good decisions when they’re at these celebrations,” Markquart said.

Lieutenant Gabe Cornish of the Minnesota State Patrol addressed students and shared that 400 people are killed a year on Minnesota highways. He said there are four things that can be done to combat these preventable crashes.

First, Cornish stressed the importance of slowing down. He said speed limits are created for favorable conditions. Next, he warned against distracted driving, i.e. texting and driving.

Not drinking or vaping is a third thing that can be done to prevent crashes. Cornish said a third of crashes are related to DWIs. Finally, he stressed the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times while in the vehicle.

Cornish said that car crashes are the number one killer in America for young adults up to age 24. He shared of some recent crashes in surrounding counties that unfortunately resulted in casualties.

For the mock crash, a totaled vehicle was donated by Richard’s Auto Repair and Towing. Several students were staged inside the vehicle and a whole host of crews responded as they would to a real crash.

These included the Martin County Sheriff’s office; Fairmont Police Department; Fairmont Fire Department, which used the jaws of life; Minnesota State Patrol; Southwest EMS, which brought out several stretchers; and the Mayo flight crew, which landed the Mayo 3 helicopter on scene.

It was made clear that all parties involved volunteered for the mock crash because they care about the wellbeing of the students. Markquart agreed, but acknowledged that it goes beyond that.

“We want to make sure the students are safe when they’re out there. If something happens it not only happens to them, but to our loved ones. It’s not just for the school community, but for the entire community,” Markquart said.