For Release April 18, 2008:

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Wants High School Students to Celebrate Smart During Prom and Graduation!

Tallahassee -Prom and Graduation is a time for celebration for our Florida teens and parents. Much time is spent on planning events before and after these celebrations. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also wants to encourage students and parents to develop a driving plan while teens are taking part in these events that will keep our teens safe as they travel on Florida roads.

Some things parents and students should remember for the events:

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Don’t get in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up – it’s the law!
• Keep mobile phones on and easily accessible, so parents and guardians can get a hold of you.
• If you do get into a situation where you need assistance, call your parents or another trusted adult.
• Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to eliminate distractions.
• Do not text message while driving- pull over and park if you have to text.

"Statistics show that teen crashes increase during prom and graduation celebrations and that many of these crashes could have been avoided by practicing safe driving habits. The Department is committed to working with students, parents, school administrations and law enforcement agencies to make sure all students can celebrate and stay safe on our roads during this important time in their young lives," said Executive Director Electra Bustle.

"Teens should understand that Florida law enforcement, including the Florida Highway Patrol, has zero tolerance for people who drive under the influence and drivers under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of .02 percent or more will have their license suspended for six months," said Director of the Florida Highway Patrol Col. John Czernis. "Parents should be aware that teens are more likely to get alcohol from their own homes than any other source and should pay special attention to how they store their alcoholic beverages to avoid the potential of an arrest or driver license suspension for their teens."

The Department wants to see all students celebrating their prom and graduation to do so with safe choices in mind. More helpful information on teen drivers and safety information can be found on the Department’s website at www.flhsmv.gov/teens/.