News / Education
Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities Rise during Prom and Graduation Season
Prevention of underage drinking means saving the lives of students
“Alcohol is one of the most difficult drugs to combat, especially with youth,” comments Gary Smith, who is Executive Director of Narconon Arrowhead, “Being a legal drug that is easily obtained, clear and effective prevention and education measures must be taken.”
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System data showed that in the year 2000, 58% of traffic fatalities were alcohol-related during the prom and graduation period. This compares with 41% for the rest of the year. In addition, 36% of all alcohol-related traffic fatalities are young people between the ages of 15 and 20, below the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages.
This data shows that more work needs to be done on the education and prevention front. This being said, April is national Alcohol Awareness month and the message must be delivered, alcohol is a drug and it costs Americans too much time, money, lives and grief for us not to make a stand.
Advertisements from alcoholic beverage companies specifically market to our nation's youth, depicting a fun atmosphere, good-looking people and sometimes a picture of total irresponsibility, making it appealing for rebellious or thrill-seeking teenagers.
"Nobody starts using drugs or alcohol with the intent of becoming addicted or losing their lives," exclaims Smith, "But when people wait and don’t get help immediately, they can die or end up in the hospital or prison. Some people are fortunate enough to get the help they need but those are the people that have the courage to reach out.”
For information on Narconon’s successful drug treatment and educational programs and materials, contact Narconon Arrowhead at 1-800-468-6933 or visit their website at wws.stopaddiction.com. The Narconon program was founded in 1966 by William Benitez in Arizona State Prison, and is based on the humanitarian works of L. Ron Hubbard. In more than 120 centers around the world, Narconon programs restore drug and alcohol abusers and addicts to a clean and sober lifestyle.
