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St. Paul Students Create PSAs To Highlight Safe Driving

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (WCCO) - Eric Zajkowski's social studies class had a unique assignment on Thursday.

The students spent their day outside on a cold parking lot in Arden Hills, which more closely resembled a Hollywood movie set.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors in Zajkowski's class at Hmong College Prep Academy in St. Paul are making public service announcement videos, and a powerful statement that can save lives.

With the help of first responders, Ramsey County Sheriff's deputies, Allina Medical and Lake Johanna Firefighters, the class is taping two public service announcements.

Their video messages will be aimed squarely at the fatal dangers of drinking or texting while driving.

Nick Xiong is directing the production.

"If we make this video, maybe it can ... make other teenagers think," Xiong said.

Students were first dressed for prom and then put into realistic makeup. Their faces and heads were made to appear lacerated and bloodied.

"It's already scary enough looking at them with all that blood," he said.

The strong message is made when two cars carrying 10 kids are t-boned, resulting in shattered glass and a loud thud.

Four of the student act as if they're killed instantly, and the other six act seriously hurt. The intended message is captured loud and clear.

"I don't want people to, like, experience the loss of a close friend or a family member," Xiong said.

The students expect to have the PSAs edited in the coming weeks, and will distribute them on YouTube and Facebook.

They aim to reach students in time for prom season.

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