Holley simulates deadly DWI crash to send warning to students
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley senior class on Friday morning witnessed a simulation of a deadly crash due to a driver impaired by alcohol and drugs.
Firefighters, law enforcement, Monroe Ambulance personnel and County Coroner Scott Schmidt were part of the simulation, as well as several Holley students who wore makeup to appear bloodied.
One of the students was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner in the simulation.
The first responders and school district wanted to send a message about the seriousness of not being impaired while driving a vehicle.
Holley had its senior prom on Friday night at the Plantation Party House in Spencerport. Last year there wasn’t a formal prom due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
The next few months there will also be many graduation parties and other events for the students.
Holley student Zach Dann was the driver and is led through field sobriety tests. He was charged with drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter in the mock event.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Zach Dann was arraigned in the mock court appearance in front of Gaines Town Justice Bruce Schmidt. District Attorney Joe Cardone is at right. Dann was represented by Robert Zickl from the Public Defender’s Office.
Schmidt determined Dann to a flight risk and set bail at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.
Cardone said he would seek state prison for Dann in the upcoming court proceedings. The charges against Dann derailed his plans to enter the Marine Corps. Cardone also requested an order of protection for the victim’s family, with no contact from Dann, including texts or phone calls. Schmidt approved the order of protection.
Cardone addressed to students in the auditorium, telling them they should celebrate the completion of their high school careers, but do it responsibly and not put themselves and others in danger.
If they are under the influence or if the driver of a vehicle is impaired, Cardone urged them to call for help to get a safe driver.
“You’ve worked very hard to get to this point in your lives,” Cardone told the students. “I would just say to you we want you to be careful, especially these next few days.”
He also told them it is still illegal for people under 21 to use marijuana. The state recently legalized recreational use of marijuana, allowing people up to 3 ounces of marijuana if they 21 and older.
“If you are under 21 you can still be charged,” Cardone said.
