A staged accident scene in Nederland comes with the hopes that students will see the results of bad decisions and possibly save a life. The dramatization is realistic, complete with EMS response teams, sheriff’s deputies and death played out in front of students.

Each year the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office holds “Shattered Dreams.” The program uses a wrecked car and actors to portray a scene that too often happens in real life.

Organizers say every 12 minutes someone is killed in a drinking and driving related accident. This sobering statistic is something that area deputies and police want to change. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Brent Weaver says this year is the first year the event has been held at the Nederland High School. Weaver says all of the actors; lawmen and school officials have one goal in mind.

“We’re trying to send an important message to the students here in Nederland that there are consequences behind negative decisions,” said Weaver. “This program is designed to prevent and deter under-age drunk driving and what we’re trying to do is get that message out to the students and if we can save one life it is well worth it”