As the high school prom season approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding students of the importance of safe driving and making responsible decisions behind the wheel. In an effort to educate teens about the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted driving, and substance use, ALEA is hosting several Prom Promise and mock crash events throughout the month of April.
April is National Distracted Driving Month, and these impactful events are designed to highlight the serious and often devastating consequences of poor decision-making on the road. Mock crash scenarios, which simulate a real-life accident, will be staged at schools across the state. These events aim to engage students in a powerful and emotional way, helping them understand that the consequences of impaired or distracted driving can be life changing.
“Every year, far too many young lives are lost in preventable crashes. The purpose of these Prom Promise and mock crash events is to ensure that students make responsible choices this prom season and beyond,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “We want teens to understand that their actions behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences, not just for themselves but for their friends, families, and entire communities.”
The Prom Promise campaign encourages teens to pledge to stay sober, stay safe, and make responsible choices, especially during prom season. Students who participate in these events will witness firsthand the emotional toll that impaired driving and distractions can have, as well as the significant impact it has on families, first responders, and their community as a whole. Troopers will be on hand at each event to discuss driving safety, answer questions, and emphasize the importance of always wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence.
"Prom night should be a night of memories, joy, and accomplishment," said ALEA's Department of Public Safety Director (DPS), Colonel Jonathan Archer. "By having teens and parents make a promise to drive safely and responsibly, teens can protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastating consequences of impaired or distracted driving."
In addition to Prom Promise events, ALEA will also continue to host Fatal Vision events throughout the month of April. These events are primarily coordinated through ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), where Special Agents use special goggles that simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol. This hands-on event gives students the opportunity to operate a small utility vehicle in a safe environment and see first-hand the dangers of driving impaired and distracted through a course lined with traffic cones.
“No matter what agency we serve or the uniform we wear as first responders, our goal is the same during these events. To make a lasting impact, instill responsibility and save lives,” said SBI Director Chris Inabinett. “We appreciate the assistance and coordination of our local partners and school systems to make Prom Promise and Fatal Vision events a success.”
ALEA encourages all high school students to participate in these events, learn the importance of safe driving, and make the commitment to be responsible on the road. These mock crash events serve as a sobering reminder that every decision made behind the wheel can have lasting impacts.
