Make Tonight's Prom A Night To Remember, Not In Jail

Tonight student's from Lambert High School will gather together and celebrate their prom creating memories of a lifetime. They might be of a first love, a perfect kiss, a special song or simply of life before it got complicated. Prom season is here and high school juniors and seniors are gearing up to make history.

Pictures and videos will be taken to commemorate this rite of passage. For some, these pictures could be documenting the last day of their short life. Every year drunk driving robs teens of the opportunity to walk across the stage at graduation.

It is a sobering reminder that a momentary lapse in judgment is risking your future and the future of those around you. Prom night memories could include handcuffs, fingerprinting, a mug shot, a night in jail, or worse, you or your best friend in a body bag.

If you are caught driving under the influence without incident, consider yourself lucky and thank your arresting officer. Of course you will still be treated to a prom night in jail. You get to look forward to having your car impounded, losing your license, steep fines, DUI classes and when you do get your license back your insurance rates will make gas prices look like a bargain.

In addition to these inconveniences a DUI on your permanent criminal record has lasting effects. It means you might not be able to attend the college of your choice in the fall. Not to mention a criminal record will limit career choices and future employment opportunities.

There is zero tolerance policy in Georgia for underage drinking. There is no “legal limit." In the state of Georgia, if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) above 0.02 and are operating a vehicle and you are under the age of 21--you are in violation of the law.

Visit the TEAM Georgia Web site for more information on how to have a safe and sober prom.