Waupun Fire Department
April 22, 2026
Mock Crash Demonstration Delivers Powerful Message to Waupun Students
WAUPUN — On Wednesday, April 22, students at the Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School witnessed a powerful and sobering parent presentation and mock crash demonstration designed to highlight the very real consequences of impaired and distracted driving.
The event was a collaborative effort between the Student Council and Staff with the Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School, the Waupun Fire & Rescue Department, the Waupun Police Department, Lifestar EMS, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, the Dodge County Medical Examiner, and other partner agencies.
Prior to the outdoor demonstration, students attended an assembly where two parents shared the story of losing their daughter in a motor vehicle crash. Their message, combined with today’s realistic scenario, brought a deeply personal and emotional perspective to the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
The simulated incident/demonstration involved a two-vehicle crash that involved five students:
• One driver, who was impaired, crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle
• One victim was partially ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene
• A second victim was ejected with life-threatening injuries
• One patient was trapped inside the vehicle, requiring extrication by fire crews
Two additional patients sustained minor injuries
A medical helicopter from Flight For Life landed on scene to simulate the transport of the critically injured patient. EMS care for the other four patients was provided by Lifestar EMS and Waupun EMS.
The Waupun Police Department conducted field sobriety testing on the at-fault driver before placing them under arrest. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team utilized drone technology to document and reconstruct the scene, while the Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office responded for the fatality. Law enforcement spent time talking with students about vehicle technology and the data the vehicle records. All the information specific to how the vehicle was being operated at the time of the incident is available as evidence. Cell phones were also discussed and how they can become evidence in accidents involving injury or death.
“This demonstration is about more than training, it’s about saving lives,” said Fire Chief B.J. DeMaa of the Waupun Fire & Rescue Department. “It is imperative that students understand that impaired or distracted driving can have life-changing consequences. One bad decision, one moment of inattention, can impact families, friends, and an entire community forever.” The message is clear: Impaired or distracted driving is preventable. The consequences of bad decisions are very real.
Events like this are only possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to community safety. We thank all participating agencies for their dedication to educating and protecting our youth. We also thank school staff and the Waupun School Board for creating space in the students schedules to allow this presentation and demonstration to happen.
