Lombard police urge teens to practice safe driving

LOMBARD, Illinois--Spring is in full swing and for teenagers everywhere, that means preparations for prom are underway.

This prom season, the Lombard Police Traffic Safety Unit is reminding all students and parents that safety behind the wheel is especially important on prom night. Lifelong memories of prom night should be of good times, not tragedy. Young drivers, especially new teen drivers, are particularly susceptible to crashes. Based on miles driven, the fatality rate for drivers aged 16-19 is four times higher than for older, more experienced drivers.

The National Young Driver Survey states that 20% of 11th grade drivers reported at least one crash over the past year. Studies show that most incidents involving young drivers stem from inexperience, rather than deliberately risky behavior. Teens simply don't have the time behind the wheel to know how to respond quickly to outside dangers. And on prom night with possible underage drinking, lack of the use of seat belts, cell phones and a bunch of teens in one car increases these hazards for many and puts them at greater risk, according to the Lombard Traffic Safety Unit.

Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy for minors when it comes to impaired driving or cell phone use. For anyone under 21, there is no legal Blood Alcohol Content limit; any alcohol present in the system is illegal and carries heavy consequences. In addition,

drivers under 19 are prohibited from any use of mobile devices. In order to make sure prom is a safe and fun evening, Lombard Police recommends taking the following safety tips into consideration when planning prom night:

•Never, under any circumstances, let someone who has been drinking, drive. Take the initiative and arrange a sober ride home or have them sleep at a safe place for the night. Parents, a taxi, or sober friends are all safe alternatives.

•Always wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone else in the car does too.

•When driving, pay attention to the road. Silence cell phones, ask passengers to avoid distracting the driver and concentrate on getting safely to and from the destination.

•Bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes to use while driving to avoid driving in heels or bulky dress shoes.

Speeding, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, while distracted, or without seatbelts are all behaviors that can instantly turn a fun spring celebration into a tragedy. Following these tips can help to ensure that all prom goers have a safe and memorable prom night.