Russell County High School hosts “Arrive Alive” mock crash to promote safe driving ahead of prom
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Russell County High School recently held its annual “Arrive Alive” mock crash event to educate students on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. The event was held just ahead of prom and graduation season.
Image: Russell County School District
Led by Sgt. Clint Gillenwater, School Resource Officer (SRO) Supervisor, the simulation was a combined effort involving the RCHS SRO team, Theater Instructor Jaryn Wester, and a wide range of local agencies. Participants included the Alabama State Troopers, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Russell County Coroner, volunteer fire departments from Seale, Pittsview, and Uchee, Care Ambulance, Haynes Airvac, the Russell County District Attorney’s Office, Knotts Towing, the Russell County Emergency Management Agency, and several departments from within the school district. Theater students, transportation staff, and maintenance crews also played key roles, with support from Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley.
Image: Russell County School District
A VISUAL LESSON
Students witnessed a staged car crash scene complete with emergency response, triage of “victims,” a field sobriety test, and even the intervention of a medical helicopter. The realism of the event was heightened by the expertise of first responders, who treated the simulation as they would a real emergency. This offered students a sobering look at what can happen when dangerous driving choices are made.
Image: Russell County School District
Before the crash reenactment, students gathered for an assembly featuring speakers such as Sheriff Heath Taylor, Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley, District Attorney Rick Chancey, State Trooper Kendrick McKinney, Coroner Howard Blake, and RCHS Principal Tonya Keene. Each speaker shared data, stories, and personal messages emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving, distracted driving—including texting—and the lifesaving importance of wearing seat belts.
Image: Russell County School District
One of the most impactful moments came during a live seat belt simulation, in which a truck overturned to dramatically show the difference seat belts can make in a crash scenario.
The goal of this event is to save lives. If just one student rethinks a dangerous choice because of what they saw today, then this effort was worth it, the school said.
Russell County High School continues to prioritize student safety through events like this, offering emotional, eye-opening lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.
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