The scene at Weirton Madonna High School on Thursday was a frightening one, one that school officials, emergency personnel, and the community hope they never have to deal with ever again. Students and teachers gathered this week to get a firsthand look at the consequences and ramifications when someone chooses to drink and drive. With prom scheduled in a few weeks, the message was heard loud and clear - Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose.

On Thursday afternoon, more than 175 students, teachers, parents, and alumni assembled in the school parking lot to witness a mock crash involving alcohol and the unfortunate death of classmate Chad Paterra. Before going outside to the crash scene, a brief scenario was read to the student body: On prom night, student Luke Myers decided to consume several cans of beer before heading to the pre-prom social at the school. He wanted to make this one night he would never forget. Luke was traveling to school at a high rate of speed, ran a red light and smashed into a 1988 Chevy Corsica driven by classmate Paterra. Paterra was pronounced dead at the scene. Erica Rogers, a passenger in Paterra's vehicle suffered serious injuries while Myers passenger, Lindsay Martinez, walked away with just minor cuts and bruises.

Officers Terence Brown and Darrin Hamilton of the Weirton Police Department were first on scene. Shortly after, personnel from the Weirton Fire Department and Weirton Ambulance and Rescue Squad 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 Paterra and Rogers from their vehicle. Bodies were placed in ambulances and field sobriety tests were performe. Witnesses were shocked and distraught at the crash scene. The driver, Luke Myers, 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 Friday morning, the students gathered in the school's gymnasium to see Myers stand trial for causing the death of Paterra. Hancock County Circuit Court Judge, James P. Mazzone, presided over the case, while Chris Turak from Gold, Khourey & Turak and Rich Wilson from Wilson Law Offices prosecuted and defended the case. Students Zak Stewart and Chris Makula served as co-counsel. The jury consisted of 12 students from Weirton Madonna High School.

Judge Mazzone conducted the trial as close as he would if it were a real case. Witnesses took the stand, 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 Mazzone ordered Myers to be placed in custody and sentenced him to serve not less than 5 years in the West Virginia Penitentiary. Myers is 18 years old.

Judge Mazzone encouraged the students to take the past two day's events seriously. "We've had a little bit of fun today, but driving while drinking is serious business." Mazzone added, "The crime is a felony and jail time is 1 to 5 years."

Attorney Chris Turak of Gold, Khourey and Turak, who served as the prosecution in the case, was happy with the result. "The jury sent a message to all those who decide to drink and drive, not only during prom season, but at any time - Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose".

Many say that the odds were stacked against him, but defense council Rich Wilson of Wilson Law Offices admitted that the jury did a good job. Wilson said, "It goes to show that the justice system does work." He adds, "If you're going to participate in acts such as drinking and driving, you should be prepared to face the consequences." "Unfortunately, as in this case, the real victims are Chad, and his friends and family."

Gold, Khourey & Turak is a personal injury law firm located in Moundsville who represents victims of automobile crashes, and places an emphasis on representing individuals injured by 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. The mock crash and trial was organized by Students Against Drunk Driving at Weirton Madonna High School. Special thanks to Green's Road and Towing Service for use of the cars, and students Courtney Brown, Sara Fracasso, Ciara Canella, and Danielle Bingkoski who all made this event a reality.
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.