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La Mesa Today
By the People, for the People
Authorities Simulate DUI Crash At East County High School
The "Every 15 Minutes" program demonstrates the impact of drunk driving to students.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The California Highway Patrol, along with local law enforcement and emergency services, will be conducting a simulated drunk driving collision at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa, California as part of the "Every 15 Minutes" program. The two-day program aims to show high school students the devastating impact that drinking and driving can have on their friends, families, and community.
Why it matters
The "Every 15 Minutes" program is an important educational initiative that uses a dramatic reenactment to illustrate the real-world consequences of impaired driving, especially among young drivers. By exposing students to this powerful simulation, the program hopes to deter them from making dangerous decisions that could lead to tragic outcomes.
The details
The simulated crash will take place on Wednesday morning on Highlander Way in La Mesa. It will involve an impaired teenage driver and a fatally injured victim, with emergency responders like police, fire, ambulance, medical helicopter, coroner, and tow truck companies all participating in the reenactment. The event will conclude on Thursday with a mock funeral and assembly for the students.
- The simulated crash will be staged shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
- Highlander Way will be closed for several hours to allow the scene to be set up and broken down.
The players
California Highway Patrol
The lead organizer of the "Every 15 Minutes" program, which uses the simulated crash to educate high school students about the dangers of drunk driving.
La Mesa Police Department
A supporting agency that will participate in the simulated crash and emergency response.
Heartland Fire Department
A supporting agency that will participate in the simulated crash and emergency response.
Reach Air Medical Services
A supporting agency that will participate in the simulated crash and emergency response.
San Diego District Attorney's Office
A supporting agency that will participate in the simulated crash and emergency response.
What they’re saying
“During the mock crash, there will be a high concentration of emergency vehicles in the area. We would like to ensure that the public is aware this is a mock emergency incident, and that no real emergency exists.”
— California Highway Patrol (patch.com)
What’s next
The program will conclude on Thursday with a mock funeral and assembly for the students.
The takeaway
The "Every 15 Minutes" program is a powerful educational tool that uses a dramatic reenactment to illustrate the devastating consequences of drunk driving, especially among young people. By exposing students to this simulation, the program aims to deter them from making dangerous decisions that could lead to tragic outcomes and to promote safe driving behaviors in the community.
