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AAA Promise fights impaired driving for students during prom and graduation

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Free toolkits provided to high schools

From AAA

Thousands of high school students are getting ready to celebrate two of the most memorable events of high school – prom and graduation. However, these occasions can bring deadly consequences to those who participate in underage drinking and illegal drug use. According to a survey conducted in January 2018 by AAA and its Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, 39% of teens aged 16 to 19 admit they or their friends would likely be under the influence of drugs or alcohol sometime during prom or graduation season.

AAA PROMise, a program offered by the Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, aims to reduce the dangers of impaired driving by providing high schools, teens, and parents with communication tools that can help prevent tragedies on these special occasions.

“For many, prom and graduation are among the highlights of high school,” said Amy Stracke, Managing Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy for AAA – The Auto Club Group and executive director of the Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation. “These events should be a time for celebrating and looking forward to the future - not defined by tragedy.”

AAA PROMise encourages teens and their parents to talk about the dangers of underage drinking, illegal drug use, and impaired driving. This includes having a plan for a safe way home during prom and graduation season. Should the teen be in danger of driving impaired or riding with someone who may be impaired, parents can pick their teen up and AAA will tow the family car home free of charge, AAA member or not.

“When we surveyed teens, most felt that their peers would be likely to drive impaired instead of calling their parents to avoid getting in trouble,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “When parents and teens can speak openly about the dangers of impaired driving and agree on a plan beforehand, it greatly increases everyone’s chances of getting home safely.”

Free AAA PROMise toolkits are available to high schools interested in helping protect their students from the dangerous consequences of impaired driving. For more information on AAA PROMise or for high schools to order their free toolkit, please visit www.AAA.com/promise.

The 2018 AAA Teen Survey was conducted online among teens ages 16 - 19 living in The Auto Club Group territory from January 5, 2018 – January 12, 2018. A total of 1,000 teens completed the survey. Results have a margin of error of ± 3.1 percentage points. Total survey responses are weighted by gender and the state teen population to ensure reliable and accurate representation of teens in The Auto Club Group territory.

About Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation

Established by AAA – The Auto Club Group in 2010, Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, Inc. (ACGTSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and public charity dedicated to producing a significant and continuous reduction in traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths in the communities targeted by its efforts. ACGTSF provides programs, education, and outreach to increase public awareness about the importance of traffic safety and improve driving behavior. ACGTSF is funded by voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from organizations and individuals who support ACGTSF’s purpose. Visit www.AAA.com/foundation for more information.

About The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.5 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 58 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

AAA, Graduation, Impaired Driving, Prom

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