Every 15 minutes: Visalia students participate in DUI simulation

VISALIA, Calif. -- A program designed to keep students from drinking and driving was held in the South Valley on Tuesday.

Students at Golden West High School in Visalia watched the response to a simulated accident where three people died. This is only a simulation, but CHP says it shows what can happen in real life if a student drinks and drives.

"They see what can happen, even though its a staged situation they can see the death and destruction that can come about from making bad choices and that's really what we're trying to emphasize," said Scott Harris, California Highway Patrol.

The simulation last two days. During classes, a student is taken by a grim reaper every 15 minutes. Those students are not allowed back at school until after a mock funeral and trial.

The Highway Patrol says every 15 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver.