'Don’t be a Poser. Be Safe and Sober'

SAN BERNARDINO>> As 17-year-old Brianna Poot puts the finishing touches on her prom-night plans, the Indian Springs High School senior can’t help but think about the friend she lost to a drunk driver two years ago. Poot and about 300 high school students from across San Bernardino County gathered together at Indian Springs High School on Thursday, March 9 to kick off the annual Safe & Sober campaign against teenage drinking. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, in partnership with the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), is asking all high school students participating in prom and graduation ceremonies this spring to pledge to be safe and sober, especially those who will be getting behind the wheel of a car. For Poot, who served as the mistress of ceremonies for the event, the safe and sober campaign is a time to remind teens that they do not need drugs or alcohol to have a memorable night. “Some kids think you can’t have a good time without alcohol or drugs,” Poot said. “But you can. Your prom night and your graduation are two things you should remember and cherish for the rest of your life.” Poot, whose friend died at the age of 15 after getting in a car with a family member who was driving under the influence of alcohol, said she wants all high school students to think about their future before deciding to drink and drive. “You have your whole life ahead of you,” Poot said. “Don’t be dumb by doing something to risk your future.” In fact, “Don’t be a poser. Be safe and sober” is this year’s campaign slogan. Besides pledging not to drive impaired on prom and graduation night, students are urged to use #soberprom2017 to create awareness on social media. Although the number of teens arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence is down across San Bernardino County, young people still need to be reminded of the dire consequences that could stem from driving drunk, said Health Education Specialist Amelia Sanchez-Lopez, who works for the county Department of Public Health. Additional Safe & Sober campaign events include the re-enactment of a DUI court case in May, also at Indian Springs High School.