Montgomery, AL – As high school prom season approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is emphasizing the importance of safe driving and responsible decision-making behind the wheel. Throughout April, ALEA will host Prom Promise and mock crash events to educate teens on the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted driving, and substance use.
April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Month, making it a fitting time for these impactful events. Mock crash simulations will be staged at schools across the state, providing students with a realistic and emotional demonstration of the consequences of impaired or distracted driving. These events aim to leave a lasting impression on young drivers, reinforcing that the choices they make on the road can have life-altering consequences.
“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 students to pledge to remain sober, stay safe, and make responsible choices during prom season. Through these events, students will witness the emotional toll that impaired driving and distractions can have on victims, families, first responders, and the community. ALEA Troopers will be present to discuss driving safety, answer questions, and stress the importance of wearing seat belts, 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, 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 conduct Fatal Vision demonstrations throughout April. Coordinated through the agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), these events allow students to experience the effects of drugs and alcohol through specialized goggles. Using a small utility vehicle, students navigate a course lined with traffic cones, offering a firsthand look at the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
SBI Director Chris Inabinett emphasized the collaborative effort in making these events a success. “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,” Inabinett said.
ALEA encourages all high school students to take part in these events, understand the importance of safe driving, and commit to making responsible choices behind the wheel. By engaging with these mock crash and safety awareness events, Alabama teens can ensure that prom night remains a time for celebration, free from preventable tragedies.
