RCMP simulate ‘compelling’ crash scene for GESS students

Published on June 12, 2023 by David Wylie

Photo: Contributed/RCMP
RCMP Const. Brandwyn Rigby, co-organized an impactful road safety event at George Elliot Secondary School in Lake Country.

A local police officer helped organize an elaborate and compelling scene at George Elliot Secondary School to show the life-changing aftermath of dangerous driving.

Const. Brandwyn Rigby, Lake Country RCMP School Resource Officer, co-organized and acted in an event at GESS. It was targeted toward this year’s grads—intended to highlight the ramifications of distracted, impaired, or unbuckled driving.

Firefighters and paramedics also helped in the live demonstration last month.

“It was a compelling presentation delivered by our community on safety,” says Rigby.

“The goal was to urge young drivers to make responsible choices—particularly as they approach graduation celebrations. We stressed on having a designated driver—no alcohol and no drugs; no distractions; and mandatory use of seatbelts. These discussions and early planning can make a significant difference. If we can save even one life through this presentation, it is absolutely worth it.”

The dramatic scene shows efforts to save people who  were ejected from a crashed vehicle because they weren’t wearing seatbelts, as well as those injured in the vehicle.  It also included a dramatized arrest of an impaired driver.

Rigby says the message was well received.

The collaborative effort included the Lake Country Fire Department, Lake Country RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, GESS principal and staff, Mario’s Towing, Rotary Club of Lake Country, the Lake Country Cultural Development Coordinator, and District of Lake Country.

Community members also participated as actors.

Rigby and fellow RCMP officers from Lake Country also shared their personal experiences in a 45-minute presentation in the Creekside Theatre. The presentation, known as the “one click” presentation, was developed jointly with ICBC RoadSense and Autobrokers.

“It was a compelling presentation delivered by our community on safety,” says Cst. Rigby, emphasizing the event’s educational value. The message was well received, as echoed by a GESS staff who observed that students were engaged in discussing the topic throughout the day.

This impactful event was the result of collaborative efforts by members of the Lake Country Fire Department, Lake Country RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, GESS principal and staff, Mario’s Towing, Rotary Club of Lake Country, the Lake Country Cultural Development Coordinator, and District of Lake Country Communications Officer. Community members also participated as actors.

“The goal was to urge young drivers to make responsible choices – particularly as they approach graduation celebrations, said Cst. Rigby. We stressed on having a designated driver – no alcohol and no drugs; no distractions; and mandatory use of seatbelts. These discussions and early planning can make a significant difference. If we can save even one life through this presentation, it is absolutely worth it!”