Prom Fact: Traffic deaths among teens are higher during prom weekends than any other time of the year. In 2005, of the 6,100 youths killed in traffic crashes, one-third involved alcohol.
Prom Fix: Go with a prom limo! Everyone gets to the prom (and the events afterward) safely and in style, and the cost can be shared with other couples to make it even more affordable.
Prom Fact: Studies show that the more young people drink, the more likely they are to drink and drive or to get in a car where the driver has been drinking.
Prom Fix: Don’t let your friends get to that point in the first place. Before you put on that dress, have a game plan for after-prom fun that doesn’t involve alcohol. It can be whatever you want, from a late-night dinner or party boat cruise to riding around and enjoying the city in your limo. Or it could be something simple, like meeting at someone’s house for music and movies. Whatever you choose, if you make good decisions now, your friends will be less likely to make bad (and maybe deadly) decisions later.
Prom Fact: 80 percent of traffic fatalities occur within 25 miles of home at speeds under 40 miles-per-hour.
Prom Fix: You can’t control what other people on the road are doing, but you can keep in contact with your friends and make sure everyone stays safe. Be sure that you check in with your friends at the end of the night. You’ll know that everyone got home safe, and you can be there in case someone needs help.
Prom Fact: Alcohol is the #1 drug of choice among teens, and it kills more of them than all illicit drugs combined. Also, the number of young female drinkers is growing faster than the number of young male drinkers.
Prom Fix: Even if you understand the importance of staying safe, your friends might not get the message. And no matter how well you plan your evening, others may be tempted to go a different route. Look out for the people you care about, and let them know if they’re doing something that could have tragic consequences. It’s better to speak out on prom night than not to speak out and regret it for the rest of your life.
[All statistics provided by MADD and SADD.]
