With prom and graduation around the corner for many South Dakota high schools, schools and police are trying to drive home the dangers of underage drinking and driving.  And it's hitting home for one small South Dakota town.  

It's been almost to two years exactly since Colman High School lost Kayla Gaff, a junior who lost her life as a passenger in an underage drinking and driving accident. As this year's seniors prepare to celebrate their accomplishments, police are encouraging parents to get involved.

As Nina Bunkers prepares to graduate, she remembers how it felt to lose Kayla Gaff two years ago.

"It's really hard to put into words, but it really hit home," said Nina Bunkers, a senior at Colman High School.  

Since that day, Colman High School has worked hard to make sure something so tragic never happens again.

"I think we've all taken a step up in looking out for each other and trying to take care of each other and being smart," stated Bunkers.  

But while Colman High School has been lucky, underage drinking and driving deaths continue to occur elsewhere. Just last month, 18 year-old senior Curtis Dawson died in Miller.  That's why South Dakota Department of Public Safety has put together "Parents Matter," an emotional public service announcement to get parents involved.

It features Kayla Gaff's mom, who says, "You have to go and put a wreath on her grave."

"We know that they're going to continue unless parents sit down with their kids and work on changing behaviors because it's a change in our society," said Minnehaha County Sheriff  Mike Milstead.

It's a message police hope will reach families and one Nina feels is important to hear.

"Parents just gotta make sure they remind their kids what the consequences are and remind them of what's happened in the past. And we don't want to go though that again," said Bunkers.  

South Dakota teen drinking and driving deaths are going down. There were nine last year compared to 13 in 2006. But Sheriff Milstead says nine is still too many and their campaign to stop underage drinking will continue.

For more information on how to talk to your kids about drinking and driving, visit our www.safesouthdakota.com.