Mock Presentations All To Real To Students
On Tuesday
afternoon, more than 300 students, teachers, and parents assembled
in the school parking lot to witness a mock crash involving
alcohol and the unfortunate death of teacher Mike Pivik. Before
going outside to the crash scene, a brief scenario was read
to the students: On prom night, student Angela Niehuas decided
to consume several cans of beer throughout the night before
heading to the after-prom at the school. She wanted to make
the night more interesting. After leaving a party at Fish
Creek, Niehaus and several friends, Megan Burrough, Gene Kettler,
and Chelsea Rexroad were traveling North on Rt. 2 heading
to John Marshall when Niehaus went left of center and smashed
into a 1992 Maroon Pontiac Sunbird driven by Mr. Pivik and
his wife, Cherry Pivik. Mr. Pivik was pronounced dead at the
scene. Burrough, Mrs. Pivik, and Rexroad suffered serious
injuries while Kettler walked away with just minor cuts and
bruises.
Lt. Ed
Vogler and Officer Mark Martin of the Glen Dale Police Department
were first on scene. Shortly after, personnel from the Glen
Dale Fire Department and Rescue arrived. With lights and sirens
sounding, this mock scene appeared to be a real emergency.
In fact, the "Jaws of Life" had to be used to remove
Mr. & Mrs. Pivik from their vehicle. Bodies were placed
in ambulances and field sobriety tests were performed. Witnesses
were shocked and distraught at the crash scene. The driver,
Niehaus, was arrested and charged with DUI causing death.
Many bystanders commented that the crash "was very educational",
and proved more convincing than a lecture. Afterwards, the
officers and emergency personnel had the opportunity to speak
with the students and answer questions.
As in
real life, the nightmare for those who decide to drink and
drive doesn't end with just a crash. On Wednesday morning,
the students gathered in the school's auditorium to see Niehaus
stand trial for causing the death of Mr. Pivik. Marshall County
Circuit Court Judge, Mark A. Karl, presided over the case,
while Chris Turak from
Gold, Khourey & Turak and Rich Wilson from Wilson Law
Offices prosecuted and defended the case. Students Lindsay
Peters and Amanda Reaves served as co-counsel. The jury consisted
of 12 students from John Marshall High School.
Judge
Karl conducted the trial as close to a real trial as possible.
Witnesses were sworn in, reports, photos, and exhibits were
entered into evidence, and objections heard, just as it would
happen in a real court room. In the end, the jury returned
a verdict of guilty of DUI causing death. Judge Karl ordered
Niehaus to be placed in custody with sentencing to be determined
after a pre-sentencing investigation is performed.
Gold,
Khourey & Turak is a personal injury law firm located
in Moundsville who represents victims of drunk drivers. As
the result of their firsthand experience, their hope is that
these mock presentations will prove effective in deterring
individuals from drinking and driving. Special thanks to Blazer's
Auto Body & Towing for supplying the vehicles, Mrs. Kolas
for her support and guidance, and the Hi-Y students for their
help in organizing the events.
Additional
information about the mock accident and trial can be obtained
by calling the law offices of Gold, Khourey and Turak at (800)
388-2529.
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