Mock Crash and Student Assembly Aim to Educate Teens on Consequences of Impaired Driving
Hesperia, California (Our Hesperia) — The California Highway Patrol (CHP), in partnership with Hesperia High School and several local agencies, will hold a two-day “Every 15 Minutes” program on March 18–19, 2026, to raise awareness among students about the deadly consequences of drinking and driving. The program will feature a vividly realistic mock traffic collision and emergency response demonstration at the school’s stadium on March 18th, beginning at approximately 10:00 a.m.
On Wednesday and Thursday, March 18–19, the California Highway Patrol will lead a dramatic educational display at Hesperia High School, designed to show students—and the surrounding community—the real-world impact of impaired and distracted driving. The “Every 15 Minutes” program, a well-established safety initiative in California schools, uses powerful visual demonstrations and emotional storytelling to drive home the message that every decision behind the wheel has lasting consequences.
The simulation will take place in the Hesperia High School stadium on Maple Avenue and will begin at 10:00 a.m. The mock collision is expected to last about 90 minutes, with law enforcement advising that nearby roads may experience temporary delays during setup and cleanup. Emergency vehicles from CHP, local fire and ambulance services, and the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office will be on scene to create an authentic emergency response environment. Officials assure residents that despite the large emergency presence, it will be a controlled simulation and not an actual emergency.
Day two of the program, Thursday, March 19th, will culminate with a mock funeral and assembly inside the school, where students will reflect on the serious consequences of impaired and distracted driving. The presentation provides an emotional conclusion to the exercise, encouraging teens to value their lives and make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol and driving.
The “Every 15 Minutes” program has been a fixture in California schools since the 1990s. Designed to underscore the statistic that, years ago, someone in the United States died every 15 minutes due to an alcohol-related crash, the program continues to be a cornerstone of youth safety education. It brings together law enforcement, schools, and families with the shared goal of preventing tragedies before they occur.
The event is made possible through a collaboration between the California Highway Patrol, Hesperia High School, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, County Fire Department, Apple Valley Sheriff’s Office, Hesperia Unified School District, local towing companies, and other community partners. Funding comes primarily from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, supplemented by contributions from Hesperia High School’s ASB student account.
The California Highway Patrol continues to emphasize its mission of providing the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California—a mission clearly reflected in its commitment to outreach and prevention programs like Every 15 Minutes.
