The North River Fire District, Palmetto Police Department, and HCA Florida Blake Hospital teamed up at Palmetto High School to promote AAA PROMise—raising awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. With prom happening this Thursday, this message is more important than ever. A night meant for memories shouldn’t turn into tragedy. Make a plan, stay focused, and always choose a safe ride. Through education and powerful visual reminders, we’re working to encourage safer choices behind the wheel and protect our community. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for persons under age 20 and 29% of the teen age drivers that were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2020 were under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana). 50% of these fatalities were also not wearing their seat belts. A high number of young drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes were also distracted drivers. Please talk to your teen drivers about vehicle safety.
Everyone wants prom night to be memorable. It’s a rite of passage — a celebration of the end of high school and the beginning of adulthood. Unfortunately, one bad decision can make this special night memorable in all the wrong ways. AAA PROMise is a program offered by AAA – The Auto Club Group – to keep teens and others safe on the roadway during prom and graduation season by raising awareness of the dangers of distracted, alcohol and/or marijuana-impaired driving. AAA PROMise asks teens to make the responsible decision never to get behind the wheel impaired and to make sure their friends do the same. Parents should reinforce with their teen that nothing is more important than their teens safety. If a teen needs help getting home and reaches out to their parents, AAA will be there to tow the family vehicle home, free of charge, AAA Member or not. By making the AAA PROMise, teens commit to making the right decision when it comes to the use of substances – alcohol, marijuana and other drugs – and driving, as well as distracted driving. AAA PROMise – I promise not to drive impaired or distracted. – I promise not to let my friends drive impaired or distracted. – I promise my parents I will get home safely or call them for help.
