Students at Owensboro High School got a firsthand look Wednesday at the tragic consequences of impaired driving during the Ghost Out event, a dramatic simulation designed to deter dangerous behavior behind the wheel.
The event was a collaboration between Owensboro Health Regional Hospital and several community partners, including Owensboro Public Schools, Owensboro Police and Fire departments, American Medical Response, Air Evac, Owensboro Health Trauma Services, Haley McGinnis Funeral Home, J&D Towing and Repair, Daviess County Detention Center, and Cinderella’s Closet.
Originally developed by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, the Ghost Out program uses realistic scenarios to educate students about the real-life impact of impaired driving. This year’s simulation depicted a prom night crash involving students and included an on-site crash scene, emergency response, and a hospital reenactment.
The event began at 9:30 a.m. in the north parking lot of Owensboro High School, where students watched as first responders carried out an extrication and rescue mission. The crash scene was kept secret in advance to maximize the emotional impact and mirror the unexpected nature of real-life tragedies.
At 10:30 a.m., activities moved to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, where students observed a reenacted trauma case inside the Emergency Department. Hospital staff — including doctors, nurses, and technicians — played their real-life roles, while other staff members portrayed grieving family members to further drive home the emotional toll of impaired-driving accidents.
By allowing students to witness these events up close, organizers hoped to make a lasting impression that could help save lives.
The Ghost Out program is one of several community efforts aimed at reducing youth traffic fatalities by reinforcing the importance of making responsible decisions, particularly during milestone events like prom.
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