‘Arrive Alive’ event shows Russell County students the real cost of dangerous driving
Wednesday morning at Russell County High School began as a normal school day, but it quickly turned into a powerful and emotional lesson for junior and senior students as they watched a simulated deadly crash scene unfold.
Russell County first responders join together to stop distracted driving ahead of prom season during event on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
The Arrive Alive event brought together multiple emergency agencies and student volunteers to demonstrate the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving, just as prom and graduation season approach.
Responding to the staged crash were agencies from across the county, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Seale Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Russell County Coroner’s Office, and Russell County Emergency Management Agency.
Fire officials and deputies assist those needing emergency help during simulation on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
Emergency response was also simulated with help from CARE Ambulance, Haynes LifeFlight, and Knotts Towing.
Students watched as first responders worked through the chaos, including even cutting victims out of vehicles, treating injuries, and coordinating across agencies.
Haynes LifeFlight lands at Arrive Alive event on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
For many, the realism left a lasting impact.
“I absolutely love the assembly,” said senior Isabella Williams. “I think it’s really important for students to realize that drinking and driving is not something that’s a fun pastime. It really does affect their life and the consequences of not only themselves but their community.”
Williams said one moment stood out above the rest.
“I think it was the bodies,” she said. “A lot of students don’t realize when they’re having fun that people can die… that can be their friend.”
The simulation also involved students behind the scenes. Drama students acted as victims and drivers, while fire science students assisted with response efforts.
Drama student plays role of intoxicated driver at simulation on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
Senior Jordan Hawkins, who played the role of an intoxicated driver, said the experience was eye-opening despite its staged nature.
“For sure don’t speed too much… and definitely don’t drink and drive,” Hawkins said. “That one’s a given.”
He also said working alongside first responders changed his perspective.
“It’s not going to be like an instant that somebody’s there,” he said. “It takes time to understand what’s going on and actually help people.”
School leaders say the event is especially important this time of year.
“A lot of hard work went into this, but it is truly needed,” said Principal Chris Daniel. “With prom and graduation going on, there’s a lot of traveling… a lot of partying. So this is definitely needed for our students.”
Daniel said the demonstration also brought back personal memories.
“In 2016, we lost a student in a tragic accident,” he said. “Seeing this… it just brought back memories. I wanted our students to understand how serious this is.”
For law enforcement, the message is simple and urgent.
Russell County Sheriff’s Office on the scene of a simulation on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
“Distracted driving has to be one of the main causes,” said Trooper Caleb Toney with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. “Just the split second of looking down at a phone… can be the moment you lose control.”
Toney added that incidents often increase this time of year.
“Everyone wants to have a good time,” he said. “But you don’t have to have alcohol involved to have a good time.”
Behind the scenes, students in the fire science program were also getting real-world experience.
Fire science instructor DJ Watson said his students played a key role in the demonstration.
Students and first responders work together at simulation on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
“My students are the ones who cut the victims out,” Watson said. “It was their first live extrication for many of them.”
Watson said while the experience was valuable, it also came with pressure.
“It’s always nerve-wracking when your students are doing stuff that you’ve taught,” he said. “But they did excellent… they’re more confident now in their task.”
Organizers say the goal of the event goes beyond the demonstration itself. It’s about changing decisions before they’re made.
“I think students are realizing that their decisions have consequences,” Williams said. “That can be them or someone that they love.”
First responders from across the county come together to prevent distracted driving at event on April 8, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
As the scene cleared and emergency crews packed up, one message remained clear: the choices made behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences.
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