The images are grisly enough, even though the trauma and the scene itself isn’t real.

We’ve covered the student-led mock crashes at Mount Si High School for a number of years now, but I’m perpetually amazed at what the young people there, working with local police, firefighters and parents, accomplish. It’s hard to take in the shocking, hyper-realistic scenes. Look at the photos, where the audience of young people are stock-still, their eyes fully open to the aftermath of a terrible car crash, and you’ll get a sense of the impact.

The organizers wanted it to shock. They wanted to make it real, so that young people can understand the consequences of irresponsibility behind the wheel—and make the right decision as spring turns to summer.

It seems like these kinds of accidents happen far too often, typically about once a year. The mock crash is held once every two years, so that every high schooler at Mount Si experiences it once.

Adults and parents, too, might benefit from a refresher course on smart choices, driving and party safety as summer nears.

A big concern is the risky behavior associated with prom and graduation—drinking and driving, distractions while driving, drugs, unsafe sex.  Parents should talk to their teens about these risks.

According to the Injury Board Network, parents should know who is driving all evening during those big party nights. Are your teens or a friend driving? Is there a designated driver, or will they be renting a limo or party bus? Parents, make sure your teen has a way of contacting you throughout the evening, and that you can contact your teen. Also, warn them of the dangers of talking or texting while driving.

Get the evening’s itinerary, as well as a list of names and phone numbers of each person with your teen.

Talk to your teen in advance, and make sure he or she knows how to handle difficult situations. Talk to your teenager about drinking and not driving, avoiding accepting a ride from a drunk driver, rejecting offers of excessive alcohol or drugs, or not succumbing to peer or date pressure.

Parents should insist that the evening’s itinerary will not change without their permission, and should know who is supervising all events. Make sure your teen has money to cover alternative transportation costs, such as a cab, if necessary.

Help your child become confident enough to make their own decisions by setting limits. Discuss some healthy limits and boundaries. Show interest in what your child is doing, where they’e doing it, and who they’re hanging out with. If at all possible, offer to throw your child’s graduation party.

Yes, teens are on the verge of being adults, but parents should still stay involved. One of the single greatest deterrent to any teenager’s inappropriate behavior is the involvement of their parent.

Thanks ahead of time for keeping your family and community safe.