S.C. Gov. Sanford Issues Proclamation Declaring Prom and Graduation Safety Months

WASHINGTON, April 7 South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford issued a Proclamation declaring April, May and June as "Prom and Graduation Safety Months" in South Carolina. There is an urgent need to work to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking during this celebratory time of year. During Prom and Graduation Season last year (April, May, June 2003), 705 youths under the age of 21 died in alcohol-related traffic fatalities nationwide according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating Prom and Graduation season as a particularly dangerous time for our nation's youth.

Fortunately, the number of youths under 21 killed in alcohol- related traffic fatalities in South Carolina has decreased more than 28 percent from 2002 to 2003. The Century Council, a not- for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, applauds leadership, law enforcement, community organizations, parents and teens and encourages South Carolinians to take an active role in fighting drunk driving and underage drinking to eradicate the number of unnecessary fatalities.

"Too often the tragedy of one bad decision can ruin Prom and Graduation season for an entire community," said Governor Sanford. "It's my hope that parents and youth alike will be more mindful and vigilant of the need to encourage their children and friends to make the responsible decision not to drink alcohol during this happy time of year."

The Century Council's  provides tips for parents on keeping their teens safe on Prom Night. Tips include: make sure your child has a plan for the evening and sticks to it; know who is driving-if it is a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle; and communicate with other parents and school officials.

A survey commissioned by the Council revealed that 65 percent of teens obtain the alcohol they drink from family and friends- meaning they get alcohol from parents, friends' parents, siblings, or older friends-with or without permission. The good news is that among 10-18 year olds, 65 percent cite parents as the leading influence for them not to drink. Parents should feel empowered to wield that influence by taking an active role in communicating with their teens about the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking, particularly during prom and graduation season

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