Assemblywoman Inez Barron (D-Brooklyn) is urging students and their parents or guardians to take part in the anti-drunk driving campaign this prom season. Commonly known as the Arrive Alive pledge, this initiative helps ensure that underage party-goers stay safe this prom season.
“All too often we hear of a young life ended too soon by a careless accident involving drinking or drugs,” Assemblywoman Barron said. “Celebratory events – like prom – increase the likelihood of young people drinking and driving. That’s why I’m encouraging all students attending prom to participate in the Arrive Alive pledge with their families and vow not to drink and drive or get in the car with anyone who has been drinking.”
The pledge requires families to provide a no-questions-asked ride at any time during the night and teens to promise not to drive drunk or accept a ride from someone who has been drinking.
“The simple fact is: Some teens drink, despite the fact that it is against the law,” Assemblywoman Barron said. “The heightened pressure to drink because it’s prom night must be countered with open dialogue and alternative options to dangerous acts. This pledge works to that end, increasing the chances that our teens will make safe decisions this prom season.”
The threat of underage drinking is real – even if parents think their child is an exception, Assemblywoman Barron said. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, one in five teens binge drink, while only one in 100 parents believes their child binge drinks; teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each year; and one out of three alcohol-related car crashes involving teens results in death.i
“Proms are supposed to be fun and exciting,” Assemblywoman Barron said. “Let’s work together to avoid turning the night into a tragedy. I urge all families to take the Arrive Alive pledge and talk to their teens about safe alternatives to drunk driving on prom night.”
For a copy of the Arrive Alive pledge, contact Assemblywoman Barron’s office at 718-257-5824 or via email at barroni@assembly.state.ny.us.
