Students at Rockingham County High School in Wentworth, North Carolina recently took part in a powerful and emotional program called “Prom Promise,” aimed at raising awareness about the consequences of impaired and distracted driving. Organized by a coalition of local emergency services and community partners, the event used a realistic crash reenactment to show students the real-world impact of risky behaviors behind the wheel. With prom season approaching, the timing of the event added extra weight to its message.

Through the simulation, students witnessed a staged crash scene complete with emergency responders, crying parents, and the sounds and visuals of a serious collision. The experience was designed not just to inform but to make the dangers feel real. As one participant shared, seeing their “mom” cry and hold them during the exercise was a deeply emotional moment that drove home how such a tragedy affects not just the victim but the entire community.

Speakers at the event stressed that for youth aged 15 to 24, the leading causes of death include speeding, alcohol use, not wearing seat belts, and distractions. The goal of “Prom Promise” is to reach students with a clear, unforgettable message: one wrong decision can have lifelong consequences. The hope is that by making the risks visible and emotional, students will think twice and make safer choices—not just for themselves, but for their friends and families too.