King County Emergency Medical Services and Washington Traffic Safety Commission, in cooperation with your local Fire Department has developed a program called Think Again, which is designed as an in-classroom presentation taught by paramedics and firefighters on the choices and consequences that teenagers may face when driving. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury for young people in King County. The purpose of this program is to encourage teens to make healthy and safe choices about drinking and driving, and about using seatbelts whenever they get in a car.

The instructors give their real life experiences of being "on-scene" at various car crashes. It is important to note that this is a very realistic, visual, and graphic presentation involving students that were "under the influence".

This program is totally free and is being offered to Seattle/King County high schools. The program is funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and King County Emergency Medical Services.

> The Problem

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of emergency medical services responses in King County. The 1997 King County Emergency Medical Services Medical Incident Report Forms indicate that the 15-19 year old age group has the highest incidences of motor vehicle crashes for all age groups. This age group accounts for over 17% of all motor vehicle BLS (basic life support) and ALS (advanced life support) responses.

> National Statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Association

• In 1997, on average there is an alcohol related fatality every 32 minutes
• More than 327,000 persons were injured in crashes where police reported that alcohol was present - an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes
• About 3 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol related crash at some time in their lives
• Males out-number females in alcohol related crashes 2 to 1
• Speeding is the contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes
• In 1997, 37 percent of males drivers 15-20 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash
• In 1997, 23 percent of the speeding drivers under 21 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were also intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration of .10.
• In 1997, only 37 percent of speeding passenger vehicle drivers under 21 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash - which means 63 percent were not wearing seat belts.

> Washington State Statistics

• Motor vehicle crashes was the number one cause of death for 15 -19 year olds
• Motor vehicle crashes was the leading cause of hospitalizations for 15 -19 year olds
• 44.4 percent of all motor vehicle crashes were alcohol related
• In 1996, the 16-20 year old group comprised 5.3 percent of all licensed drivers in Washington state, yet they were involved in 6.9 percent of all alcohol related crashes