[Your letterhead]

For Immediate Release

Contact: [Name]

[Date]

[Phone]

As part of the national campaign, on [day/date] [name, title] for [jurisdiction], will be leading a group of students from [school] to [name] courthouse to observe impaired driving trials and meet with judge [name] to discuss the legal consequences of underage drinking and impaired driving.

According to [name of organization], 33 percent of fatalities among 15- to 20-year-olds are a result of motor vehicle crashes, of which at least 35 percent are alcohol-related. "During the spring prom and graduation season, young people are more likely to fall victim of vehicle crashes-especially those involving alcohol. To reduce the risk of that happening in [city/county], we are educating our young people of the legal consequences of underage drinking and impaired driving to promote a safe prom and graduation season."

[Title/name] reminds young people and their parents that in [state] drivers under 21 years of age are subject to zero tolerance laws, which make it illegal for those under the age of 21 to drive after having consumed any amount of alcohol. Judge (name) said, "Violation of zero tolerance laws may result in license revocation, significant fines, and extended community service." [title/name] also reminds parents and other people of legal drinking age that they may be held civilly liable for any incidents that result from making alcoholic beverages available to youth under the age of 21, including falls, drowning, or alcohol poisoning.

"By planning and implementing Zero Tolerance activities throughout the Prom and Graduation season, we hope to get the message across to teenagers that drinking and driving is a crime that kills," said [insert name].

"As a prosecutor, I can assure you that there is no greater tragedy I face than dealing with the aftermath of these tragedies and the toll it takes on families, friends and the community. I often hear parents and friends ask how this could happen. Unfortunately, it happens all too often and only takes one wrong decision. All too often there are no second chances when it comes to underage drinking," said [insert name]

[Title/name] along with [organization] want all students to have a good time and return home safely during this significant time in their lives. No parent wants to be awakened by a late night call or visit by a law enforcement officer. Underage drinking isn't a rite of passage. It's a deadly choice. Choose to not drink alcoholic beverages and drive and don't ride with an impaired driver. Remember - there aren't always second chances.