DA, School Supt. Speak out Against Drunk Driving
Letter Sent to Parents in Middlesex County for Prom, Grad Season
Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone and School Superintendent Roy Belson are sending out a joint letter warning parents about the dangers of drinking and driving, particularly during prom and graduation season.
The DA is sending the letter in collaboration with every school superintendent in Middlesex County in an effort to prevent alcohol-related accidents and deaths.
Leone will also speak to students at Medford High School about the dangers of drunk driving on Tuesday, May 6.
The DA’s Office has compiled some troubling statistics about teenage drinking and driving. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for those between 15 and 20 years of age and alcohol-related traffic fatalities spike dramatically in Middlesex County during prom and graduation time. Nearly thirty percent of Massachusetts youth reported driving with an intoxicated friend and 12% say they drove drunk themselves.
The DA is offering some advice for parents to keep their kids safe, including hiring professional transportation for prom night, having a family friend or sibling drive teens, or paying cab fare for the night.
“Prom and graduation season should be a time of great celebration for our students and their families. We also know that each year at this time, we see far too many tragedies because teens make the wrong decisions about drinking and driving. We are urging parents and students to take proactive steps to prevent these tragedies and make this an enjoyable and safe time for everyone,” District Attorney Leone said.
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