AAA Texas: Drinking and Driving Could Ruin Party Plans for Prom and Graduation Season; Dallas County Sheriff, DISD Join AAA Texas In Urging Students to Have Fun, but Drive Sober.

DALLAS -- AAA Texas, Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and the Dallas Independent School District today urged students to enjoy prom and graduation parties and celebrations, but avoid drinking and driving.

"Alcohol-related fatalities are the leading cause of death among drivers aged 15 to 20 nationwide," said Sheriff Lupe Valdez. "The latest figures available from the Texas Department of Transportation show that alcohol-related fatalities in this age group increased nearly 20% between 1996 and 2001. Because traffic deaths and injuries usually increase as the prom, graduation and vacation season begins in May, young drivers need to be aware that this is a particularly dangerous time for them."

Sheriff Valdez said her office and AAA Texas formed a DWI task force last year to address the problems of teen drinking and driving. At a news conference at Woodrow Wilson High School today, she told teens that while they think they are invincible, they are at risk simply because inexperienced drivers often make bad driving choices. She pointed out to students that even if they escape death or injuries if they drive drunk, the consequences of a drunk driving arrest could be with them for a long time.

"A DWI arrest could cost over $16 thousand dollars," said Carol Thorp of AAA Texas. "That's a lot of money for a teen and their family to have to pay. Teens will lose their licenses for up to a year, have to do community service and may have difficulty getting to and keeping their jobs because they can't drive."

The Sheriff's office and AAA Texas are distributing tip cards listing the penalties associated with drunk driving to schools in the Dallas Independent School District. The tip cards are also available in AAA Texas District Offices.