Real emotion at simulated Whitehorse crash

The crashwasstaged and teenage actors stepped into the roles of victims and suspects.

A high school drama class added a few layers of gore. All part of an effort to jolt young people and create a lasting memory.

Gowan Mclean was one of those playing a part.

"The story is that three buddies come home from the bar. We've had a few drinks and there's a big party going on at somebodys house so we start heading over. I'm driving. I'm wearing a seat belt but I'm impaired," he said.

The program, called Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth, is active across Canada.

Its goal is to leave students with lasting mental images.

Students watch as police, ambulance and fire personnel arrive with sirens wailing.

Firefighters work to cut the injured from the crumpled car.

Onestudent is arrested.

Another declared dead.

Youth worker Kayla Mintzbelieves its effective.

"I think they're a little bit shocked so hopefully this does send a good message to all the youth," she said.

RCMP Corporal Dwayne Latham agrees.

"They need to recognize that the consequences of their choices that they make are phenomenal. They can be positive or they can be negative and they can affect a lot of people around them. Not only the professionals that come to the scene but their families and certainly extended families," he says. "Everyone is hurt in situations like this."

Today the body bag will be unzipped again and the victim will climb out.

But those taking part hope it will leave a lasting impression.