Every day, 28 people are killed by drunk drivers and every 51 minutes, drunk driving ends a life. Juniors and seniors are at exciting points of their lives when Prom season rolls around. Juniors are beginning their college search and seniors are getting ready to graduate and begin the next chapter of their lives. A bad decision can change everything in an instant, and have deadly consequences. It is encouraged that each parent sit down with their young adult and emphasize the importance of smart decision-making when it comes to drinking, driving and staying safe during prom and graduation season.

At Indian Valley High School, located in Enon, Ohio, students will roll a dice to see if they have to take a breathalyzer test when they arrive at the dance. A number between one and six will be selected before the die is rolled and if students roll that number, they’re selected. It’s something the high school has been doing for the last four years for prom and homecoming, and something students have somewhat embraced. While not accusing students, the idea is to communicate that drinking is not going to be permitted, nor should it be something you’re engaging in a social activity like the prom. The high school also hosted speakers and representatives of organizations that promote abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

The Ohio Valley Mall hosted the fifth-annual Prom Safety Day, with close to 600 students from high schools at Union Local, Bellaire, St. Clairsville, Barnesville, Martins Ferry, Shadyside, and Bridgeport high schools in attendance. Speakers at the event included Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, who spoke about the consequences of drinking and driving, adding that many young people fail to understand the reality that death or serious injury can touch them or a loved one. He also went over the consequences of incarceration, loss of a driver’s license, and increased insurance rates that they are agreeing to face when they decide to drink and drive.

A committee of Howland High School parents organized a post-prom event for all Howland junior and senior students in order to keep students safe. In February, the committee submitted an essay, budget and PowerPoint presentation for the Herren Project Purple and Proud Grant. The committee was notified that Howland was awarded the first place grant of $2,000. Following prom on May 13, students were transported by bus to Fun N Stuff in Macedonia where they hosted Howland High School students for an all-night party. This movement was encouraged to keep students safe and exercise smart decision-making.

GCADA is joining the National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving in Senior Promise 2017, a nationwide campaign that urges all students, parents and other community members to do their part to institutionalize smart choices for prom goers and graduates. Senior Promise 2017 urges all members of the community to learn about the facts and do their part to help teens stay safe as they celebrate these milestone events.  The call-to-action begins with a knowledge and understanding of the facts, followed by a pledge from each of us to support smart choices and safe driving to help make this a safe, exciting and memorable time for the Class of 2017. As a way of saying ‘thanks’ and encourage support, campaign participants can enter to win prizes that will be awarded weekly during the camping period.

On Thursday, May 18, the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Association (GCADA) donated $1,000 to support The Dragonfly Foundation. The donation was made at Stonelick Township Fire Department in front of the Dragonfly Fire Truck.

The Dragonfly Foundation is a nonprofit working to support young cancer and bone marrow transplant patients and their families. Each year volunteers from Stonelick Township Fire Department help to raise money for the foundation at the Cincinnati Auto Expo, where participants can see the Dragonfly Firetruck in the Safe Travel Family Zone.

The funds for the grant were jointly contributed by GCADA and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Foundation. The Dragonfly Foundation was selected by GCADA as the grant recipient because of their impact on the families of patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, GCADA’s charitable partner.

“As an ambassador of the NADA Foundation, we are proud to present this grant in support of the important work of The Dragonfly Foundation,” said GCADA President Tom Fiehrer. “The Dragonfly Foundation has raised funds at the Auto Expo for several years, and this grant allows us to further step up our support of children and families facing tough medical and financial challenges.”

GCADA has been serving the franchised new motor vehicle retailers of the Cincinnati metropolitan area for over a century. Its members in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indian are vital to their communities as employers, taxpayers, and partners in a variety of charitable endeavors. Consumers may contact the GCADA at 513-326-7100 at any time with questions or concerns relating to the automotive industry.

Dan Kommeth, General Manager, Performance Lexus, was honored as a recipient of LEAD Magazine’s C-Suite Award at a ceremony held at the Ramada Plaza Cincinnati on Tuesday, May 16.

“I am humbled to receive this honor. At Performance Lexus we try match every customer with the right vehicle and provide the highest level of customer service. We work hard and fair to earn customers for life,” said Kommeth.

The C-Suite Award honors the region’s leading chief executive officers; chairmen; chief operating officers and other C-level executives. The award is presented based on the individual’s invaluable contributions to their organization and the Greater Cincinnati region as well as their personal leadership characteristics that contribute to a thriving community.

Performance Lexus, located in the Kings Auto Mall in Mason, Ohio, provides automotive sales & service to Greater Cincinnati & beyond. Performance Lexus is a member of the Performance Automotive Network, a family-owned business the has operated for over 40 years. Dan Kommeth oversees day-to-day operations of the dealership, which provides an extensive inventory of new Lexus, used Lexus and certified pre-owned Lexus vehicles in its elegant, state-of-the-art facility.

As we approach summer, temperatures are starting to heat up. It’s important to remember to not leave any pets in a hot car! While you may have every intention to return to your car in “just a minute,” it takes only seconds for a beloved fur baby to start overheating. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can jump to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is even tougher for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads.

When walking the dog(s) on a hot summer day, keep in mind that if it feels hot enough to fry an egg outside, it most likely is. When the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt can reach a scorching 135 degrees; more than hot enough to cook an egg in five minutes. On an 87-degree day, asphalt temperatures can reach 140 degrees, hot enough to cause burns, permanent damage and scarring after just one minute of contact. Rapid burns and blistering can occur at 150 degrees. Hot sidewalks, pavement and parking lots can not only burn paws, they also reflect heat onto dogs’ bodies, increasing their risk of deadly heatstroke. Always test the pavement with your hand before heading out, walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots and never make dogs wear muzzles that restrict their breathing.

It’s very important to think about how an average person would feel in the heat and then take a minute to consider what it’s like for a canine companion. If that person would be burning up, sweating, feeling dizzy or light-headed, their animal would be too. Imagine wearing a fur coat in the summertime- that’s what it feels like for an animal.  For their sake, take time and consider the conditions outside and see if they best suit your dog. Everyone wants their dog by their side—they are man’s best friend after all. To keep the dog riding along, happily sticking their head out the window for as long as possible, please be cautious of the scorching summertime temperatures and how it affects them.