New Blogger: Have a Safe Prom With Absolute Sobriety

As prom and graduation party season begins, we don’t want young drivers or their passengers to suffer serious injuries or tragic deaths because of a disastrous decision like getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Drivers under 21 don't have to guess about how much alcohol they may drink and still legally get behind the wheel. Wisconsin law requires absolute sobriety for drivers under age 21, which means they may not consume ANY amount of alcohol—not even a drop—and legally operate a motor vehicle.

Unlike drunk driving, Absolute Sobriety doesn't require "bad driving" to result in a traffic stop. Young people stopped for any traffic violation such as seatbelts or speeding may be arrested if any amount of alcohol is detected.

Young drivers convicted of violating Wisconsin’s Absolute Sobriety Law will have their license suspended for three months and face a fine of more than $300. If a passenger under age 16 is in the vehicle, the violation becomes a traffic crime punishable by fines and jail time.

Even a small amount of alcohol may impair decision-making, reaction time, and other mental and physical skills needed to drive safely. But teens and young people, who tend to take more risks and generally have less driving experience, are especially susceptible to traffic crashes after drinking. In Wisconsin, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young people.