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• Year 2007

ALTADENA/SAN DIEGO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving to encourage students and adults to be careful while driving and to never mix driving with alcohol or drugs.

We all look forward to ringing in the New Year with friends and family but that's absolutely no reason to act irresponsibly,” O'Connell said. This holiday week is one of the most deadly times of the year for young people due to driving under the influence. So, my message to everyone, but especially our young people, about drinking and driving is simple: 'Don't do it.'”

According to a recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2001-2005, an average of 36 fatalities per day occurred on America's roadways as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That number increases to 45 per day during the Christmas period and jumps to 54 per day over the New Year's holiday. During this most recent holiday period, the CHP reported 1,661 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests and 33 alcohol-related deaths.

I want our students to stay safe over the holidays and be alive and healthy for school in the new year,” O'Connell said. I want to encourage all Californians to celebrate 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 and driving is illegal, and will cost them their drivers' licenses. California has a zero-tolerance policy for underaged drinking and driving, and it is thoroughly enforced.”

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, impaired teenage 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.

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. 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, under a new law that went into effect this year, 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. 

Our young people have bright futures ahead of them so let's make sure they celebrate the New Year safely and away from drugs and alcohol,” O'Connell said.