Police agencies across Arkansas are warning young people to stay sober when they get behind the wheel for prom night and for end-of-school-year parties.

This weekend, the Arkansas State Police are being joined by police and sheriff's departments to try to prevent crashes caused
by drunken teenagers.

State police director Colonel Winford E. Phillips says law officers will have zero tolerance. Authorities are also focusing on
educating teens so they think about the consequences of drinking and driving.

Traffic crashes are responsible for the deaths of more U.S. teenagers than any other cause, and officials say about one-third
of the fatal crashes are alcohol related.

A blood alcohol content of .08 percent is the threshold for drunken driving for adults in Arkansas. The rules are much more
strict for young people. Anyone under 21 with a blood alcohol content of .02 to .08 percent can be charged. Penalties for a first
offense include a 90-day driver license suspension, fines of up to $500 and mandatory alcohol education and driver education
classes.

Minors with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or above face much stiffer penalties.

The effort includes radio, TV and Internet advertising and an effort to educate parents.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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