Partying during and after proms and following graduation ceremonies can have serious consequences if alcohol is involved, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the number of underage drinking-related crashes resulting in death and injuries.

An Auto Club analysis of California Highway Patrol data from 1997-2004, showed significant increases in alcohol-related crashes and injuries among young drivers. Thirty-three percent more drivers aged 15-20 were involved in alcohol-related fatal crashes in 2004 compared to 1997. In 2004, 137 young drivers died compared to 103 in 1997. The number of underage drivers in alcohol-related injury crashes increased 15 percent. That is an increase from 1,813 in 1997 to 2,089 in 2004.

Any measurable alcohol in a driver younger than 21 years of age results in an automatic one-year suspension of driving privileges. A blood alcohol content of .05 percent, roughly two drinks, is a criminal offense for an underage driver. In addition to up to 48 hours in jail and three years probation, young offenders are required to attend a 15-week DUI course and can be ordered to make restitution for any physical or property damage they cause.

The Auto Club suggests several things for underage drivers to consider before drinking alcoholic beverages:

-- California has a "zero tolerance" law for underage drivers.

-- The blood alcohol content of .08 percent applies to adults only. Any alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 years old results in an automatic one-year driver license suspension.

-- More than 2,000 underage drivers are involved in alcohol-related death and injury crashes annually so the refrain of "it won't happen to me" doesn't ring true.

-- Before going out, learn if your school or town has a "Safe Ride" program.

-- Don't get in the car with someone who has been drinking.

-- Call a taxi, take a bus or get a friend to drive you home if you have been drinking.

The Auto Club has produced 125,000 informational brochures in English and Spanish detailing the costs of an alcohol-related arrest for an underage driver. The brochure is provided at no cost to schools, community groups and law enforcement. To order the brochure, call 1-800-541-5552.