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The NJC Hosts Mock Trials for Program Aimed at Reducing
Underage Drinking and Driving
3/20/2007

Staff Reports

Every 15 minutes someone in the United States dies as the result of an alcohol-related crash. In an effort to discourage teens from underage drinking and driving, Reno judge, Janet Berry, The National Judicial College and more than 200 community volunteers and emergency personnel participated Feb. 28 in an elaborate program consisting of a staged fatal DUI accident outside of Sparks High School, a mock trial at the NJC, a funeral, real-life DUI stories, letter writing and more.

The mock trial at the NJC consisted of 27 Sparks High School students, many still wearing their crash scene makeup. The students learned that 24 percent of fatal teen accidents are caused by drinking, and that teen passengers are killed 86 percent of the time. They also spent the time taking a driving trivia quiz, learning tips on how to prevent teen auto accidents and listening to real stories from DUI crash survivors and victim’s families.

Judge Berry said that every driver who was driving under the influence and caused death or serious injury is required to go to jail.

Hon. William F. Dressel, president of the NJC, said that a fatal accident not only affects the victims and their families, but also the entire school community. He said that when students experience a mock fatal DUI crash, they share the knowledge with others, making it that much more powerful.

Hon. Janet Berry of Reno was one of 200 volunteers to put on a mock fatal DUI crash and the mock trial that illustrated the negative impact of drinking and driving
on teens.