Before prom each year, our high school stages a reenactment of a multiple car crash in the parking lot of the school. It's complete with wrecked cars, bloody and mangled people, police, ambulance and firemen. I think the seniors are required to watch, and I remember my daughter being very upset by it. Every year when I see the pictures in our local newspaper, I always think it's a real accident at first glance, and then I realize it's the reenactment. I've never seen it in person, but the pictures alone are enough to make the kids stop and think before drinking and driving. It may be disturbing, and I'm sure there are some parents who object to this approach, but I really think it sends a clear message to the kids and leaves a lasting impression. I'm in favor of it.

Has anyone noticed how graphic the smoking commercials are lately? They're hard to watch, but unfortunately that's what it takes to make people pay attention.