The grim consequences of distracted driving were illustrated in graphic, realistic terms Tuesday morning during a mock car and GO train crash in Bradford.
A teenager was killed and two people were injured in a simulated collision at a level crossing at 20 Sideroad and 12th LIne.
'Exercise Fatal Distractions' was organized by emergency officials to mark Rail Safety Week and put first responders through their paces at such a scene.
"This collision is going to involve a distracted driver who was texting which was part of the reason he did not see the train coming," said Staff Sgt. Steve Wilson of South Simcoe Police.
"This is a 70 kilometre an hour stretch of track so it would take that train over two kilometres to stop safely."
GO Transit officials used the exercise to create awareness about increased train traffic on the Barrie line.
"When it's travelling down the track it can be very quiet and a train can be on top of you instantaneously. We've started weekend rail service so people aren't used to seeing trains go up and down," said Steve Harvey, GO's Manager of Operational Support and Transit Safety.
A group of students from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford were invited to witness and document the incident as a learning experience about the dangers of distracted driving and safety around railway tracks.
They stood in a steady, cold rainfall as the 'life and death' drama unfolded before their shocked eyes.
Two students and a teacher participated as 'victims'
"It was really scary," said fake victim Brayden Borutskie, 16, who 'died' at the scene after suffering horrific injuries created by a makeup artist John Seney.
"It definitely felt real. The whole experience. It's really an eye opener," Borutskie said.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Firefighters used the jaws of life to free the two victims trapped in the crumpled vehicle after first carefully removing the windshield glass.
Teacher Denny DeOliveira was the 'distracted driver' trapped behind the wheel.
"I was kind of scared, to be honest. Even though I wasn't in the situation it kind of felt like I was," said DeOliveira.
"It makes you respect everything around you. Makes you realize how quickly something can change."
DeOliveria and fellow victim Borutskie were both impressed by the first responders.
"They're so professional. I can't imagine what it's like to do that on a day-to-day to have to encounter something like that," DeOliveira said.
All the first responders executed their roles calmly and with precision.
County of Simcoe Paramedics performed CPR in a valiant bid to 'save' the teenage victim that was ejected from the vehicle in the crash.
But he was pronounced dead at the scene and students watched the sombre moment when medics covered his body with a blanket, pulling it up to cover his face.
Later, employees from the Coroner's Office removed the 'body' from the scene.
"We respond to car accidents on a fairly regular basis however adding a train to the scenario is a whole different dynamic that we don't often get an opportunity to train with," Stephen Trafford, Commander of Operations with the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. "It's a really good opportunity to make sure we're prepared if anything like this should happen."
The roof lift by firefighters enabled paramedics to gain better access to the victims in the car in order to remove them to waiting ambulances.
"We deal with the consequences of vehicle collisions, whether it be rail or whatever, on a daily basis. It's really hard when you see some of the injuries that happen, whatever the reason for the accident," said Chief Kevin Gallant of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Department.
The scenario took about two hours to complete.
Officials hope the realistic pretend tragedy leaves its mark.
"It reminds people about the dangers of ignoring crossing signals or not being aware of your surroundings," said Harvey.
