None for Under 21

Spring is a time of celebration for teenagers, with proms, graduations, and exciting plans for the future. As part of my vow to be more vigilant than ever in removing drunk drivers from Ohio roads, the Patrol hopes to keep teens’ futures intact by giving them the information they need to stay safe on the roadways as well as reasons to avoid alcohol.

To this end, the Patrol is once again joining the Ohio Department of Public Safety in the None for Under 21 program to discourage underage drinking and the use of fake identifications, and to present the tragedies that occur when teens drink and drive.

Impaired driving continues to be a serious problem for teen drivers. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds. And, of all 15 to 20 year old drivers killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 1999, more than 20 percent were intoxicated at the time of their death.

As a part of the statewide None for Under 21 campaign, troopers will visit local schools to teach with consequence education. This type of education shows teens the tragedies that result when teens drink and drive. Troopers will also stress to teens that it is illegal for individuals under 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.

Troopers will conduct special presentations, stage mock crashes, and work with local schools on additional programs. Fatal Vision Goggles will be used during the None for Under 21 presentations to allow teens to experience simulated visual impairment. Fatal Vision Goggles simulate impaired vision at .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the daytime and .14 BAC percent at night. The goggles are highly effective because they offer teens a memorable lesson in the dangers of drinking and driving.

None for Under 21 also includes information cards distributed to students and their parents, and posters drawing attention to the dangers of impaired driving are prominently displayed in high schools. In addition, area law enforcement agencies, state liquor agents, and alcohol retailers will set up collaborative efforts to curtail the illegal purchase of alcohol and the use of fake identifications. While troopers will dedicate time to educate teens, they are also committed to high visibility enforcement in an effort to apprehend teens who choose to drive impaired.

The None for Under 21 campaign also focuses on penalties for Operating a Motor Vehicle After Underage Consumption (OMVAUC) and the use of fake identification to purchase alcohol. A person under 21 who presents a false, fictitious, or altered identification or driver license when purchasing alcohol incurs severe penalties.

In addition to a DUI charge for those who test .10 percent BAC or above, law enforcement officers in Ohio can file charges against any driver under age 21 who has a BAC of at least .02 percent.

A first OMVAUC offense results in a mandatory fine of $250-$1,000 and up to six months in jail. A second OMVAUC offense carries a mandatory fine of $500-$1,000 and up to six months in jail with a possible 60-day license suspension. Teens who commit third and subsequent offenses face a mandatory fine of $500-$1,000, up to six months in jail, a 90-day license suspension with an option of community service, and a license suspension until age 21.

I hope None for Under 21 will teach teens valuable lessons that will save lives. I urge parents and teens to join the Patrol this prom and graduation season in making it a time of safe celebration. Let’s keep the futures of Ohio’s teens bright.

Next month, the Patrol hopes to educate the public about safety belt usage by joining the national "What’s Holding You Back?" safety belt campaign. In an effort to save lives and reduce injuries, troopers will adopt zero tolerance seat belt enforcement. The Patrol will no longer issue warnings for not wearing a safety belt. Any driver who has enforcement contact with the Patrol and is not wearing a safety belt will be given a citation.

It’s about safety!