Drinking and driving teens are at fault in fatal crashes in nearly all cases. Alcohol is involved in one out of every four fatal crashes in Ohio. Motor vehicle crashes nationwide are historically among the leading cause of death for teenagers. A focus of the campaign is reminding teens and their parents that it is illegal to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages prior to reaching age 21. Immediately following the crash, students listen to wheelchair-bound young people who chose to drink and drive and live with their choice daily.
Students also hear from inmates serving time for vehicular homicide.
Ohio law is clear when it comes to drinking and driving. Law enforcement officers in Ohio can file charges against any driver under age 21 who has a BAC of at least .02 percent but less than .10 percent. Teens convicted of operating a vehicle after underage consumption face a license suspension of between 60 days and two years. The courts may also commit teens to as many as three days in a certified alcohol and drug addition program. Additionally, four points are assessed to the violator's driving record, and a remedial driving course which includes instruction in the area of alcohol and drugs as related to the operation of a motor vehicle, must be completed before a driver license will be reissued.