ALEA's ‘promposal' to students this prom season: Be Safe and Sober
In an effort to educate teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted driving and substance use, ALEA is hosting several Prom Promise and mock crash events throughout April.
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ALEA said April is National Distracted Driving Month and these events are 'designed to highlight the serious and often devastating consequences of poor decision-making on the road.'
'Every year, far too many young lives are lost in preventable crashes. The purpose of these PromPromise and mock crash events is to ensure that students make responsible choices this promseason and beyond,' ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. 'We want teens to understand that theiractions behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences, not just for themselves but fortheir friends, families, and entire communities.'
The Prom Promise campaign encourages teens to pledge to stay sober, stay safe and make responsible choices. Those who participate in the events will witness firsthand the 'emotional toll that impaired driving and distractions can have,' especially the impact it has on families, first responders and the community.
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ALEA said 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 more.
'Prom night should be a night of memories, joy, and accomplishment,' ALEA's Departmentof Public Safety Director (DPS), Colonel Jonathan Archer, said. '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 this campaign, ALEA said it will also continue to host Fatal Vision events throughout the month. These hands-on events use special goggles to simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol.
This special 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 thesame during these events. To make a lasting impact, instill responsibility and save lives,'SBI Director Chris Inabinett said. 'We appreciate the assistance and coordination of our localpartners and school systems to make Prom Promise and Fatal Vision events a success.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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