The nationally recognized program, which raises awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, left a lasting impression on students, staff, and families through a series of emotional, realistic, and educational experiences.
The event was made possible through a coordinated effort between Baldwin Park Unified School District, Baldwin Park High School, the Baldwin Park Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and multiple local agencies and community partners.
Monday’s events began with a solemn and symbolic presence across campus, as “Grim Reapers” portrayed by BPUSD staff and school administrators entered classrooms every 15 minutes to remove selected students, symbolizing the devastating statistic that every 15 minutes, lives are lost in an alcohol related crash, a powerful reminder of lives suddenly lost.
Later that morning, juniors and seniors gathered outside the school for a simulated crash scene staged directly in front of campus. The reenactment featured student participants portraying victims in a mock collision, brought to life with real vehicles, smoke effects, and professional stage makeup. In one striking moment, a student actor was positioned partially through a shattered windshield, underscoring the severity of such incidents.
First responders demonstrated real-life emergency procedures, including firefighters using the Jaws of Life to extract victims, law enforcement conducting a sobriety test, paramedics treating and transporting injured students by ambulance, as well as Coroners transporting deceased victims. Tow trucks cleared the scene, mirroring the full response to a serious crash.
Following the simulation, students took part in a field trip to Forest Lawn, where they learned about the realities of funeral planning, including the emotional and financial impact on families.
The 20 student participants also attended an overnight retreat at the Courtyard Marriott Baldwin Park, where they continued an immersive educational experience. Students heard presentations from Baldwin Park Police Department and California Highway Patrol.
Throughout the retreat, students read letters written by their parents, reflected on their roles in the program, and participated in an unplugged experience without phones or devices.
Back on campus, mock tombstones were placed as a visual reminder of lives lost, reinforcing the message for the broader student body. Tuesday marked the culminating event, as juniors and seniors attended a schoolwide assembly that brought together the lessons of the previous day. The assembly featured a recap video reenacted by participating students, followed by a series of impactful speakers.
Baldwin Park High School Principal Deborah Madrigal encouraged students to make courageous and responsible decisions. Deputy District Attorney Garrett Dameron outlined the legal consequences and long-term impacts of driving under the influence (DUI), while representatives from the California Highway Patrol and Baldwin Park Police Department reinforced the importance of personal responsibility and safe choices.
"Sadly, we've seen firsthand the devastating impact of impaired driving. The Every 15 Minutes program shows real-world consequences in a way that lectures never could. Our officers are honored to participate, and we ask parents to please join us as partners in this mission. Keep the conversation going at home. Set clear expectations. Model responsible behavior. When schools, law enforcement, and families work together, we create a culture of safety that protects our entire community and minimizes impaired driving tragedies," Said Baldwin Park Police Department Chief Robert A. Lopez.
Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza delivered a heartfelt message reminding students of their value and the importance of protecting their futures. The program also featured a guest speaker, Lili Trujillo Pucket from Street Racing Kills, who shared a deeply personal story of losing a child to street racing and DUI, bringing a powerful local perspective to the issue.
Following the assembly, participating students, staff, and families gathered for a reception to reflect on the experience and support one another.
Throughout the two-day program, school counselors were available to provide support to students and staff, ensuring their well-being while engaging with the emotional content of the event.
“The return of the “Every 15 Minutes” program marks a significant milestone and reflects our shared commitment to student safety,” Said Superintendent Dr. Mendoza.
Photos
*Graphic images in this post depict a simulated car crash. These photos are from a pre-staged educational event and do not show a real emergency.
Every 15 Minutes Photos, Baldwin Park High School, 2026
In partnership with the Baldwin Park Police Department