Queen Creek's Operation Prom demonstrates consequences of drinking and driving

Posted Date: 4/28/2008

While Queen Creek High School's junior and senior students waited in eager anticipation for their prom night, the Queen Creek Fire Department was making sure that safety was on the top of their priority list for the evening.

Operation Prom is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. A joint effort between the Queen Creek Fire Department, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Southwest Ambulance and Liberty Mutual Insurance, the program enlisted three QCHS drama students to play the parts of drunk driver and victim in a simulated automobile accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The demonstration included the arrest and subsequent trail of the "drunk driver," the Fire Department's extrication of the vehicle's passenger, and airlifting another "victim" to the hospital.

"We recognize that the pressures on young people to drink, use illicit drugs and engage in other unhealthy behaviors are strong. The use of alcohol or drugs can lead to making poor decisions, like getting behind the wheel when you are impaired," said Queen Creek Fire Inspector Jon Spezzacatena. "Our hope is that Operation Prom sends a powerful message to students about the consequences of drinking and driving."

• Operation Prom 2008