Out of the Wreckage mock crash to be held Aug. 17

In an effort to shine awareness on the potential perils of distracted driving, Hillsboro Church of God will present the second annual Out of the Wreckage mock crash on Saturday, Aug. 17.

The event, which will be held at the church located at 5760 U.S. Route 62 south of Hillsboro, will begin at 1 p.m. with music, videos and speakers, with the mock crash commencing at 4:30 p.m.

Event organizer John Moore, a Leesburg firefighter, said approximately 500 people attended the inaugural event a year ago, and that the idea behind the program is to encourage drivers – especially young drivers – to always focus on the road and avoid distractions when behind the wheel.

“When I was young, it was all about not drinking and driving,” Moore said.

“We want to get the word out to the public and have folks realize all the distractions out there: Texting and driving, drinking and driving, eating, playing with the radio and the list goes on. In my career, I’ve probably seen as many accidents caused by people distracted by their cell phone as I’ve seen accidents caused by drinking and driving.”

The mock crash will be graphic in nature, and parental discretion is advised.

“While this is a mock crash, we want this to be as realistic and graphic as possible,” Moore said.

“Accidents like this happen, and if this event helps just one person, it’s worth it.”

Moore said medical helicopters from Miami Valley Hospital and University of Cincinnati Medical Center will fly mock crash victims from the scene and local law enforcement and emergency personnel will take part in the event. After the mock crash, a mock funeral will be conducted.

The event is free to the public and food and drinks will be provided at a reasonable price, Moore said. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date has been set for Saturday, Aug. 24.

“It is our hope that everyone who attends will leave with a renewed focus on safety and a desire to always focus on the road,” Moore said. “When you take your focus away from the road, even for a very short period of time, the results can be deadly.”

If the public or local businesses want to become involved with the Out of the Wreckage mock crash, contact Moore at (937) 403-8626.