Preparing for Safe and Sober Graduations

From the Cobb Alcohol Taskforce:

Many graduation ceremonies are planned for the end of May and with that comes parties and celebrations. This exciting time in a teen’s life can lead to increased underage drinking and accidents. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation an average of 48 teens are killed and 5,202 are injured in car crashes during a typical Graduation or Spring Prom weekend.

Cobb Alcohol Taskforce wants to remind parents to take the proper precautions for a safe graduation celebration. The Georgia Student Health Survey II, 2012, shows that 73% of 12th graders say it is easy to obtain alcohol and 54% use alcohol at a friend’s house. CobbAT wants to help keep our youth safe and sober during this milestone month starting with parents.

Remember, providing alcohol to minors can result in various fines and penalties and/or imprisonment. A violator may face up to $1,000 in fines and/or 12 months confinement for a first offense, under state law. Below are important notes for parents to avoid such situations:

• Refuse to supply alcohol to minors in your home or on your property
• Be at home and visible if/when teens have a party in your home
• Store alcohol under lock and key or at least keep track of it
• Talk to other adults about not providing alcohol at events where minors will be present
• Call your local police department or the Cobb Sheriff’s Office at 770-499-4719 to report underage drinking parties in advance