Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 20 and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one-third of fatal teen crashes involve alcohol. The Illinois Judges Association is now working to reverse that deadly trend.

In the week leading up to Homecoming, students at Winnebago High School are thinking of school spirit, who to take to the dance and who will win the game. But school administrators want to make sure kids keep one more important thing in mind: their safety.

That's why Winnebago hosted a program through the Illinois Judges Association that provides concrete examples of serious consequences Illinois teenagers have suffered because of drinking and drugs.

"We as judges see these young people after the crime has been committed and there's nothing we can do. This program was really developed to let the kids know about the real life consequences involved with risky and illegal behavior," says Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Ed Prochaska.

The program outlines "Seven Reasons to Leave the Party." Those include losing your car, your money, your time, your privacy and your loved ones' trust; as well as racking up a criminal record that could keep teens from reaching their goals.

"They said you might not be able to get into college and if you can't get into college you won't be able to get a good job or have a nice house and a lot of things that people want," says Winnebago H.S. Senior Alex Johansson.

The seventh and final reason is death, or serious injury.

"That last 30 seconds when they showed the clip of the girl who was, like she had not hair and her face was morphed, the whole cafeteria became quiet and I think that's what really got to everybody," says Winnebago H.S. Senior Kristin Edwards.

On their way out the door, students grabbed a contract to sign with their parents, pledging to steer clear of risky behaviors. So they can enjoy next year's Homecoming as well.

This summer 26 judges throughout Illinois were trained to give this presentation. Twenty more will join the program in December.