‘You are saving lives’: Lincoln advocate stresses importance of teens driving sober

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nearly 30% of fatal crashes involving teens happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to AAA.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers, AAA said.

Sara Draper, an advocate with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, spoke about the increase in deadly crashes over the summer.

“We typically see an influx of impaired driving crashes and fatalities across our roadways across the nation from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” she said.

Draper said crashes that involve alcohol can be prevented.

“By making a plan before you take that first drink, by making a plan before you go out, you are preventing impaired driving and you’re part of a solution,” she said.

For teen drivers, Draper said it’s important for parents to ensure they’re waiting to drink legally.

“We see families and friends forever changed because of the choice that was made in that one moment,” Draper said. “By planning ahead, by shifting that perspective and making sure you’re always sober behind the wheel, you are saving lives and you are creating a future with no more victims.”