Exercise Caution During Prom/Graduation Weekends - I.I.I. Offers Drunk - Driving Prevention Tips For Parents And Grads

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NEW YORK - More than 3,500 young drivers ages 15 to 20 years old were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2000. Of those drivers, 21 percent were intoxicated. Many of these deaths occurred during prom and graduation season and could have been prevented.

The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I) offers the following tips to parents and grads during prom season:

PARENTS

  • Arrange for supervised transportation --taxis, chartered vans and limousines --to shuttle young adults to and from the prom or drive them yourself.
  • Remind your child that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol.
  • If your child is hosting a party, plan the activities together and arrange to be home during the entire party.
  • If your child is going to a party, insist they bring a cell phone with them or provide you with a phone number where they can be reached.

GRADUATES

  • Let your parents know what you plan to do for prom weekend. Whether going to a friend's house, the beach or a school party, bring a cell phone with you or provide a phone number where you can be reached.
  • Consider taking a taxi, van or limo to the prom. Not only is it cool, but it is safer because you could be tired and fall asleep at the wheel.
  • Don't get in a car with someone who is drunk. Call a taxi or your parents to pick you up.
  • Wear Your Seatbelt.

No matter what the class of 2002 does to celebrate their prom or graduation, being safety conscious is an important part of making it a fun, memorable event.

The Insurance Information Institute is an educational, fact-finding and communications organization committed to disseminating information about property/casualty insurance.

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