Simulated Drunk Driving Crash Sends Message to BHHS Students

More than 1,000 students filled bleachers on the front lawn of Beverly Hills High School Tuesday to witness "Every 15 Minutes," an educational program about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving.

The program is held biannually at BHHS for juniors and seniors. It features a simulated car accident caused by a teen drunk driver in which student volunteers participate. The Beverly Hills police and fire departments give the crash scene a sense of authenticity as they work to "rescue" the victims. 

Every 15 Minutes was first brought to Beverly Hills in 2010 thanks to the efforts of a group of residents who wanted to prevent teens from making poor driving choices, both as drivers and passengers. 

"It was a truly emotional eight-hour event," said former Mayor Les Bronte, a central figure in bringing the program to BHHS. "The messages to the students that making the right choices when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol, or texting while driving, was received and will never be forgotten."

Traditionally, Every 15 Minutes was a program about the dangers of drunk driving, but it has expanded to add distracted driving—such as texting or talking on a cell phone while driving—to the program agenda.

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