A mock impaired driving crash took place at Lacombe Composite High School this morning (May 16th) as part of Operation Safe Grad.

Students were shown the dangers and consequences of driving distracted, or while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Career and Technology Studies department head, Darcie Zenchuk says the presentation this year really stepped things up a notch with things like sound effects and detailed makeup work.

"The emergency response team is wearing microphones, so we're gonna hear exactly what they do; they help us to make this scene seem very realistic," said Zenchuk.

Complete with two wrecked cars, real life-saving strategies and techniques from the Lacombe Fire Department, and excellent acting on the student's part, the entire demonstration felt impressively real.

Lacombe Police Service, Students Against Drunk Driving, Alberta Health Services, the City of Lacombe and Popow's Auto Wrecking also took part in the demonstration.

Deputy Chief of the Lacombe fire department, Eric Graham says it's not just being under the influence of chemicals that can pose a major threat.

"When you become fatigued, there is a chance that your ability to operate a motor vehicle can be significantly impacted".

Impaired driving crashes and incidents involving alcohol are among the highest causes of death for teens and young adults.

Graham also says it's important to raise awareness that even a slightly diminished mental state, for whatever reason, can create a large problem.