The Illinois State Police Department has issued a warning to all high school students within the state to drive safely to and from their prom festivities.
In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of drunk driving-related crashes resulting in death and injuries. Statistics show that a third of alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur between April and June, which is considered the peak of prom season. A AAA survey of teens between the ages of 16 and 19 found that 41 percent said it was likely that they or their friends would consume drugs or alcohol on prom night.
“These numbers show a significant rise in deaths and injuries from underage drivers who drink. Young people should know that state DUI laws are even tougher on drivers under 21,” said Steven Bloch, Ph.D., senior research associate of the Auto Club. “High school proms and graduations often are opportunities for drinking so teens need to be aware of the dangers. A high school prom or graduation should be a time of lasting memories, not for careless behavior that potentially can lead to lasting consequences.“
The police agency in Illinois has warned all high school students that state troopers will be out on the hunt looking for speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving during the months of prom season. Teens who choose not to wear a seat belt will also be penalized if caught by law enforcement.
For teen drivers who believe they can have one or two drinks and get behind the wheel of a car, think again. “Many young people believe that officers will test to determine if the young driver is drunk. That is not true. Officers will be testing underage drivers to see if there’s any level of alcohol in the driver’s system,” Bloch added.
State police officials have stated that they will be on full alert with “aggressive enforcement” of the fatal four violations, which include driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving and failing to wear a seat belt.
Interim commander of District 2, Michael Kraft, said that even though prom and graduation are exciting times in a student’s life and causes for celebration, young drivers should still prioritize making “responsible choices” that can often save their lives.
The drunk and distracted driving crackdown in Illinois is set to continue for the entirety of prom season.