With Schenectady High School's Junior/Senior Prom coming up, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is again hosting a special event to talk to teens about the consequences of drinking and driving. Students will assemble in the high school auditorium to sign Santabarbara's Arrive Alive pledge, encouraging teens to make a promise not to drink and drive or ride with anyone who has done so and parents to promise to give a ride home at any time, no questions asked. The Arrive Alive Pledge has been made available to high school students in Montgomery and Schenectady County school districts represented by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

“One life lost to drunk driving is one too many, especially since drinking and driving accidents are completely preventable,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “That’s why I’ve partnered with the schools in my district, like Schenectady, to encourage teens and their parents to take the Arrive Alive pledge. Prom should always be about having fun and celebrating the end of a successful school year – it should never end in tragedy.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29% of drivers ages 15–20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking. Additionally, 17% of drivers ages 15–20 who were involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08% or higher. However, even at a lower BAC, judgment and ability is impaired, which can lead to potentially devastating consequences.

"I hope this pledge reminds teens to always think twice before getting into a car with someone who has been drinking,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “By having events like this, we can encourage real, honest conversations about drinking and driving that can help sons and daughters make good decisions that keep them safe and we can also let them know that we’re always here for them.”