On Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11, 2016, the Fountain Valley Police Department and Fountain Valley High School will present the “Every Fifteen Minutes” program to the junior and senior classes. This two-day program focuses on personal safety, drinking and driving and the potential consequences of poor decision-making. The program name was derived from statistics which show that about every 15 minutes someone in the United States dies from an alcohol related traffic accident. The goal of the program is to reduce alcohol related traffic collisions in our community. The “Every 15 Minutes” program is presented prior to spring break, prom and graduation ceremonies, which makes it a timely event.
On Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., a fatal alcohol related traffic accident will be re-enacted. This will take place on Bushard and El Camino, in front of Fountain Valley High School. The Fountain Valley Police and Fire Departments, C.A.R.E. Ambulance and other agencies will participate in the event. As part of the re-enactment, the injured parties will be transported to a local hospital and the fatality will be transported to the Coroner’s Office. The person responsible for the collision will be arrested and booked at the Fountain Valley Police Department.
Fountain Valley Police Officers and a Police Chaplain will deliver death notifications to the parents of the victims of the re-enacted traffic accident. Although the parents know that this is a staged event the emotional impact of the notifications has proven to be overwhelming to those involved.
On Friday, March 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., a school assembly will take place. Joshua Jahn, a nationally known speaker will give his presentation. Fountain Valley Police Chief Daniel S. Llorens will also be present. There will be a video presentation of the events surrounding the traffic accident from the day prior. The “Living Dead,” as the accident victims are referred to, will be reunited with their families and one of them will speak at the assembly. This has proven to be another very emotionally charged part of the program. Crisis counselors from CSP will be on hand for general comfort to the “Living Dead,”, after the crash.
Due to street closures in the area of this event it is recommended that the press arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the program.