The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is teaming up with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross to stress safety to teen drivers during upcoming celebrations that mark the end of the school year. The prom and graduation season is in full-swing across Illinois and all too often, many of these celebrations turn into tragedies that result in injuries and/or fatalities.

“With the school year drawing to an end, there are many occasions to celebrate – prom, graduation, senior trips and summer vacations,” said State Superintendent Christopher A. Koch. “These are events that many teens will remember the rest of their lives. Teen drivers, parents and chaperones need to be extra vigilant so that these celebrations do not turn into tragedies.”

While less than seven percent of the drivers licensed in Illinois are teens (ages 16-19), they account for nearly 11 percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes. Prom and graduation season brings together several factors that can contribute to deadly crashes for teen drivers – driving late night; driving with multiple passengers; and driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

During the years of 2004 through 2007, 257 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes in Illinois during the months of April, May, June, July – the peak time for end-of-the-year school celebrations. Additionally, 24,665 teen drivers were involved in injury crashes during those same months.

“The American Red Cross, with the Injury Prevention Grant sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, has worked with high schools and their local communities for many years, making a difference in teens’ lives with the Operation Prom Night program,” said Monica Grugett, IDOT Grant Coordinator for the American Red Cross – Central Illinois Chapter. “It is our goal to prevent the tragedies of teen traffic fatalities and injuries before they happen. Operation Prom Night gives a glimpse of the consequences that an impaired driving crash can have on teens involved.”

Operation Prom Night is a real-life re-enactment designed to provide a realistic view of the results of drinking and driving. The simulated mock crash depicts students on their way home from an after-prom party, in which one of the drivers has been drinking and makes a deadly decision. Local police, emergency responders and student actors are used to help stress the message of safe and responsible driving. The Central Illinois Chapter has been organizing the re-enactments since 1994 for high schools in the six-county area of Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Mason, and Marshall. In addition, many districts across the state partner with their local communities and emergency responders to conduct similar programs.

While fatalities in Illinois have been decreasing, teen fatalities have not:

2007 155 teens (ages 16-19) died in crashes
2006 151
2005 145
2004 125

Of all persons killed in crashes in Illinois during 2007, more than 12 percent were teens. This percentage has been steadily increasing:

2006 12 percent of the fatalities were teens (ages 16-19)
2005 Approximately 11 percent
2004 More than 9 percent

Other teen driving statistics:

Teens accounted for more than 12 percent of the 727 drivers involved in rural fatal crashes in Illinois in 2006.

Nearly half of the teens killed while riding in a vehicle in Illinois died on rural roads. Less than 40 percent of them are known to have been wearing a safety belt — 60 percent were not.

"Prom night and graduation are exciting events for teenagers," said Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent. "Unfortunately, statistics indicate alcohol-related peer pressure is strongest during this period and teens are more likely to consume alcohol. In an attempt to make the prom and graduation season safe, Troopers will be working special emphasis details including seat belt enforcement zones, Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement details, and roadside safety checks."

For more information on safe teen driving, visit IDOT's Operation Teen Safe Driving Web site at http://www.buckleupillinois.org/teens.html. This first-of-its kind program is already paying dividends, as teens educate their peers about the dangers and responsibilities that come along with the privilege of taking the wheel.