Rude Awakening History

The Rude Awakening Program has existed in the Township of Middletown for the past ten years. The program, over the past five years, has gained tremendous momentum. Through untiring efforts, preparation, and execution by the Middletown Township Police Department, the program has sent a clear and somber message to our high school students regarding the devastating consequences of drinking and driving.

Rude Awakening was founded by the Middletown EMS in 1994. The program consisted of two vehicles smashed head-on on the Middletown North football field.

Students would observe the mock car crash whereby police, fire, first aid, and paramedics would be dispatched. The program lasted no more than one hour. However, in the Spring of 2001, patrolman Roese began to speak to school administrators that more was needed. From the Spring of 2002 to present, by way of the Police Department Traffic & Safety Division, parents, teachers, and community volunteers - the program has evolved into something special.

The program now consists of speakers, from law enforcement, municipal court judges, lawyers, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, dentists, the 180 "Turning Lives Around" organization, and parents of those lost from drunk driving incidences.

Along with the assembly, the students experience what driving drunk really feels like. DWI Fatal Vision goggles simulate imparement while the students drive a golf cart through a coned-off course. Along with the hands on application, there is a basketball toss and a sponge toss while wearing the Fatal Vision goggles.

Students also observe a mock at all area high schools. The victims in the mock crashes are all students. The crash scenarios are set up by Capt. Mike henry of the Fairview First Aid squad. During the mock crash, the NJ State Police Medi-vac helicoptor is also utilized.

An Aribag simulator is also set up to deploy actual airbags, which demonstrate the forces on the body from the airbag while the passenger is unrestrained/restrained.

A crane is also brought into the program whereby motor vehicles are dropped from different heights to show speed and impact.

The most significant aspect of this program is the total absence of alcohol related fatalities during the prom season since the program's inception in Middletown Township, New Jersey.

Thanks to all the volunteers who participate in Rude Awakening, have made this program noticed by Governer Corzine as being the "Best of the best".