TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY SLATER CAUTIONS: TAKE CARE THAT PROM NIGHT DOES NOT TURN TO TRAGEDY |
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Topics: Rodney E. Slater
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NHTSA
May 7, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 25-98
May 7, 1998
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today reminded high school students not to drink and drive during spring prom weekends. The department's nationwide tracking shows that an average of 5,202 teenagers are injured and 48 are killed in automobile crashes during a typical prom weekend. "Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority, and he is committed to a zero tolerance standard for drinking and driving for those under 21," Secretary Slater said. "Prom night traffic fatalities involving alcohol are especially tragic and can be prevented because it is against the law in every state for young people to consume alcohol."
According to the department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 70 percent of the teens killed on previous prom weekends did not wear seat belts. Thirty-six percent of the deaths were alcohol related, and the majority of teen deaths occurred in a car driven by a teenager.
"Enjoy the prom without alcohol or drugs, buckle up, and pay attention behind the wheel," said Ricardo Martinez, an emergency room physician who also is head of NHTSA. "You should be getting ready to graduate -- an occasion for timeless memories, not attending funerals."
According to Dr. Martinez, more than a third of all deaths for people ages 15 to 20 are the result of motor vehicle crashes. During prom season, parents need to stress safe and responsible driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supports the efforts of the highway safety community, law enforcement, parents and educators in organizing prom events that emphasize buckling up and remaining alcohol-free.
Dr. Martinez suggested the following actions:
* Designate a driver or consider alternatives such as taxis or limos;
* Parents should make a pact with teenagers to provide a safe ride if needed, no questions asked;
* Serve non-alcoholic beverages and food at parties;
* Make sure everyone buckles up.