NY sets up underage drinking hotline at prom time | News

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York state has a hotline this prom and high school graduation season to help keep young drivers off the road if they've been drinking.          

State officials set up 1-866-UNDER21 to report underage drinking, thinking it could help stop young people from driving under the influence of alcohol. Calls go to the state police, who forward them to local agencies. The anonymity of callers is protected.          

State officials say drivers under 21 represent about five percent of licensed drivers, but are involved in more than 12 percent of fatal crashes.         

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday the hotline is a joint effort involving the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the state Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services and state police.

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