All too often as high school students are preparing for upcoming prom and graduation celebrations, we hear or read about drunk driving tragedies involving our youth.

We must be aware of the potentially deadly consequences of driving while intoxicated. Every day in the United States, 45 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes. Nationwide, alcohol-related traffic fatalities claim the lives of more than 2,200 young people (ages 15-20) every year. In 1998 on Long Island, nearly 8 percent of all DWI arrests involved people under the age of 21.

Frequently, children are pressured by their classmates to drink. Alcohol use has become the number one drug problem among our youth. Research shows that the longer a child's use of alcohol can be delayed, the likelihood of their becoming a problem drinker and drunk driver is significantly lessened. Parents can help keep their children safe by combating peer pressure with these suggestions from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving):

* Point out the dangers and consequences of alcohol to your children.

* Set clear rules about alcohol consumption.

* Know your child's friends and their parents.

* Work with other parents and community leaders to make underage drinking unacceptable.

* Alert local police agencies to establishments known to sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21.

MADD also reminds the public of the following:

* If you are going out and want to drink, plan ahead. Ask someone in your group to refrain from drinking and be the designated driver.

* If you are hosting a party, provide safe transportation home for your guests, or ask them to spend the night.

* If you see a drunk driver on the road, don't drive anywhere near the vehicle or try to pass. Jot down the make, model, color of the car and license plate number and call 1-800-CURB-DWI.

I hope that you will make a concerted effort to talk to your children about the perils of alcohol. They will listen. Let's try to keep our children safe and sound during this exciting time in their lives.