On April 30, 2026, the Tillamook Police Department will assist with a mock traffic crash in the turnaround area in front of Tillamook High School, located at 2605 12th Street. This event is part of the nationally recognized Every 15 Minutes Program. 12th Street will be briefly closed during this mock traffic crash at about 2 pm.
The Every 15 Minutes program is a two-day event (April 30 and May 1) focused on high school juniors and seniors. It is designed to challenge students to think critically about the consequences of impaired and distracted driving, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The program also emphasizes personal safety, responsible decision-making, and the lasting impact those decisions can have on family, friends, and the community.
“Programs like Every 15 Minutes are powerful because they bring reality into focus for young drivers,” said Chief Nick Troxel. “Our goal is not to scare students, but to help them understand that one decision can have lifelong consequences—not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.”
On the first day, pre-selected students are respectfully removed from class every 15 minutes to represent the national average of individuals injured or killed in impaired driving-related crashes. The day includes classroom instruction led by uniformed police officers and culminates in a mock traffic crash in front of the school, starting at 2:10pm, involving a simulated impaired driver and a simulated fatality.
The mock crash will involve the full range of emergency response personnel who would respond to a real incident, including police, fire, ambulance, the medical examiner’s office, funeral home representatives, and towing services. The simulation will last approximately 30 minutes near the end of the school day. 12th Street will be closed during this time.
“By involving our community partners and showing the full emergency response, students gain a deeper understanding of how many lives are affected by a single incident,” Troxel said. “We hope this experience encourages them to make safe, responsible choices behind the wheel.”
Because of the brief closure of 12th Street, traffic in front of the school is expected to be heavier than usual between. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time (2-3pm).
On the second day (May 1st), a concluding assembly will be held at 09:30 a.m. in the Tillamook High School auditorium. This assembly is open to the public.
This program is made possible through the partnership of the Tillamook Police Department, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Tillamook School District #9, individuals, businesses, and numerous other community organizations.
Here is a video the Pioneer did from 2022: