PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
High school graduation is a time of celebration for graduates, their families and friends. Frequently, these celebrations include the use of alcohol and illegal drugs by minors. Graduates place themselves at further risk when they ride with classmates who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Idaho in 1999, drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 represented 9 percent of the total licensed drivers, yet they were involved in 29 percent of traffic crashes statewide. A total of 64 teen drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 1999. Of this number, 11 (17.2 percent) were driving while impaired. Teenaged motorists in Idaho also had violation rates well above average for risky driving behavior such as speeding, inattention, following too close, disregarding stop signs and signals, and failure to use seat belts. To counter this alarming trend, the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety (IOHS) and the Idaho Department of Education teamed up to develop Celebrate Graduation.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Celebrate Graduation program was created in 1994 to help reduce traffic crash fatalities and injuries resulting from impaired driving, lack of seat belt use and risky behavior among teenagers in Idaho. Objectives of the program are to:

• Provide alcohol- and drug-free graduation parties in high schools across the state
• Educate youth on the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• Stress the importance of always wearing seat belts when riding in a motor vehicle

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
High schools participating in the Celebrate Graduation program follow guidelines specified by IOHS. Prior to graduation each year, the following activities are conducted:

• A “no use” presentation or assembly is held to acquaint students with the purpose of an alcohol- and drug-free celebration
• A message encouraging students to always buckle-up when traveling in a motor vehicle is presented

Following the graduation ceremony, the following activities ensue:

• A celebration with all-night activities for seniors is planned
• Students are not admitted if they have been drinking or using drugs
• Law enforcement officers are notified if students attending the party use drugs or drink alcohol
• Graduating seniors participating in the Celebrate Graduation program receive t-shirts

RESULTS
All Idaho high schools are invited to participate in the Celebrate Graduation program each year. In 1998, 87 schools participated in the program, and in 1999, the number increased to 93. The program has been well-received by Idaho's youth, reaching 10,397 of the 13,249 graduating seniors in Idaho's class of 1999.

FALL 2000