WILLIAMS — Previous serious accidents underscore the need to help graduating seniors to finance their safe alternative graduation night. Parents Who Care was formed to take donations to fund a safe alternative to drinking and driving.

In that effort the Seniors have planned a car wash tomorrow at the Car Wash on Route 66 across from the police station. There is also a donation tub at Anna’s Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe in the Red Garter Inn.

According to a press release by the Arizona Department of Transportation:

If historical trends hold, the square covers tossed in the air at commencement ceremonies could be the last caps worn by some recent graduates.

That’s because alcohol-related crashes involving drivers ages 16-24 spike in May, making it one of the most dangerous months for young drivers. Since 2010, during the sober month of May there have been 50 alcohol-related fatal crashes involving young drivers on Arizona roadways, according to data collected by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Crashes of all kinds involving young drivers typically peak in October and November. But the largest totals of alcohol-related crashes involving young drivers are in March and May. Many variables contribute to this, but spring break and end-of-the-school-year celebrations are obvious factors. Impaired driving crashes involving young drivers occur at higher-than-average rates during the months of June and July, too.

Everyone with a diploma knows the solution: don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver. Call a cab or rideshare service. Besides being life-threatening to drivers, passengers and innocents that share the road, a DUI is a terrible graduation gift.