Dramatic crash re-enactment drives home dangers of impaired driving for high school students

A group of high school students learned the dangers of impaired driving during a dramatic crash re-enactment. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports.

A chilling crash scene unfolded outside Osgoode Township High School recently, but it wasn’t a real accident, it was part of the ‘Toe Tag’ event, designed to show students the devastating consequences of impaired and distracted driving.

The staged crash involved student actors playing victims, who were rescued, treated, and arrested by Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, and Ottawa Police Service members. The event is held in partnership with the City of Ottawa’s Safer Roads Ottawa program, a community initiative focused on preventing road deaths and serious injuries.

“This is to show the dangers and consequences of impaired driving,” says John Wambombo, with Safer Roads Ottawa. ”This is our target audience, especially during prom season. We want to make sure that we have something that’s engaging and really impactful for the students.”

Grade 12 students watched silently as first responders worked to free victims trapped in the wreckage and treat those critically injured. One victim was declared deceased. It is a harsh reminder of the real-life outcomes of reckless driving.

“This adds a lot of shock value for students that are getting ready to graduate,” says Nick DeFazio, with Ottawa Fire Services. ”And hopefully it shows them it’s something they should never do, which is impaired driving and the effects it can have.”

Marc-Antoine Deschamps from the Ottawa Paramedic Service adds tragedies, like in this simulation, impact entire communities.

“We want to do whatever we can to prevent them,” he says. “If we can just prevent one fatal collision, it’s a success.”

Ottawa police Const. Amy Gagnon stressed the importance of making safe choices.

“Make sure you have a ride to get home and try to make that decision ahead of time,” she says. ”Call your parents, decide not to drive, but also decide not to get in a vehicle with somebody who’s been drinking or smoking cannabis.”

Students were visibly moved by the event. Cole Prince described the scene as “shocking to see and very emotional.” Student actor for the event, Mackenzie Belanger admitted, “You don’t realize how bad it could possibly be.” While Marek Spearman added, “No one wants to see their family go through that.”

School principal Richard King was among the first-time viewers.

“To see the visual, the graphic display, I think it’s very powerful. If the students felt anything like I felt, it’s very, very powerful,” he says. “This is much more impactful than any speech or any talk would be”

While the crash scene was fiction, the facts behind it are deadly real, leaving students with a clear understanding of the choices they need to make.

“Make sure you always have a backup driver. Make sure someone that’s always sober can drive,” says Prince. ”If not, always call your parents.”

As part of Canada Road Safety Week (May 13-19, 2025), Ottawa Police Service and regional partners conducted Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) spot checks across the city.

About 1,150 drivers were screened, resulting in 16 charges for impaired driving-related offences.