SCHP, WRHI and community team up to prevent teens drinking and driving

It only takes a second for a tragedy to ruin a high school student’s prom night.

It’s those tragedies that WRHI and a host of sponsors are trying to prevent through the annual Prom Pledge. Lance Corporal Billy Elder with the South Carolina Highway Patrol speaks at the assemblies — and says they have an impact.

Elder says prom season is a time of transition for young adults.

Cecile Gadson is with Skin Deep, a social improvisational theatre troop performing during some of the Prom Pledges. She explains the purpose of their performances.

Few people know that better than Lisa Radvansky, who lost her son in the Fall of 2003 in a crash in which he had been drinking, was speeding and was not wearing his seat belt.

She says sharing her experience keeps her son’s memory alive.

Elder says parents need to discuss with their children making good decisions while driving.

Prom Pledge urges high school students not to engage in risky behavior such as drinking and driving, texting while driving and the ramifications of not wearing a seat belt.