BURBANK/SAN DIEGO/SACRAMENTO/SAN FRANCISCO/BAKERSFIELD/FRESNO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell teamed up today with the California Highway Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)  to urge students and adults to be careful while driving and to never mix driving with alcohol or drugs.

"There's nothing like ringing in the New Year with friends and family," O'Connell said. "Unfortunately, this holiday week is one of the most dangerous and deadliest times of the year for young people because of one reason only: driving under the influence."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the California Highway Patrol, alcohol was involved in 46 percent of all California traffic fatalities in 2005.

• 1,574 people were killed and nearly 31,000 were injured in alcohol-related collisions on California roads last year, representing an increase of 8 percent over the previous year;
• 222 of those deaths were people under the age of 21.
• Drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are more often involved in alcohol-related crashes than any other comparable age group.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, impaired teenaged drivers are at far greater risk of being involved in a fatal crash than older drivers.  Teen   judgment is more impaired by just one or two drinks compared to older drivers.  Also, their inexperience behind the wheel puts them at even greater risk.

"I want our students to stay safe over the holidays and be alive and healthy for school in the New Year," O'Connell said.  "Even pedestrians who drink are at greater risk of being injured or killed in traffic fatalities. So I want to encourage Californians, particularly our young people, to party safe and sober this holiday season. Parents should pay special attention to their children and be alert for any sign of drug use or drinking.  I also want to remind teenagers that drinking any amount of alcohol or using any drugs and driving is illegal, and will cost them their drivers' licenses. You drink and drive — you lose."

Teenagers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs face serious consequences even if their blood-alcohol limit is under the legal limit of 0.08 percent for adults. California has a zero-tolerance policy for teen drivers using alcohol or drugs.  Penalties include loss of a driver's license for a year or until the person turns 18 (whichever is longer), court-ordered impounding of a vehicle, possible court fines, and jail time. And beginning January 1, 2007, drivers under 21 who have had any amount of alcohol to drink will be subject not only to civil penalties but to criminal penalties and fines under a law passed by the legislature this year. 

"Our young people have unlimited opportunities ahead of them.  Let's make sure they celebrate the New Year safely and away from drugs and alcohol," O'Connell said.

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For pictures of O'Connell's news conference in Sacramento on December 28, 2006, please visit Year 2006 - Video.