Community Parent Center Discusses Prom Safety

Prom and graduation season is an exciting time for high school students, especially juniors and seniors. Their thoughts turn to parties and celebrations — who will be their date, the cost of gowns, tuxedos, prom tickets, photos, limousines, flowers, and after-prom activities.Prom safety rarely crosses their minds. For most parents, prom-related concerns are not financial. The biggest worries for parents are about the risky behaviors associated with proms, teens driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and how to ensure their son or daughter arrive home safely after the prom.

Statistics confirm that prom/graduation season — the months of April, May and June — is the most dangerous time for our teens. One-third of alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving teens each year occur during these months. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,202 teens are injured and 48 teens are killed nationwide in car crashes on a typical prom weekend. Responsible prom planning starts with educating teens, parents and our communities about the risks and putting a safety plan in place. It is therefore critical that parents keep the lines of communication open when it comes to talking to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving. Prom night should be the best night of a teen's life, not the last.

The Community Parent Center is working together with school districts across Long Island to help drive home the idea that alcohol, other drug use and cars do not mix. Drinking, other drug use and reckless driving are not tolerated in New York State, in Nassau County or in our communities. It is imperative that you and your teen understand that driving under the influence of alcohol, or other drugs even once, can change his or her life forever. We care about our youth, their safety and their futures, and we all want teens to enjoy their prom/graduation celebrations and make it home safely. With this in mind, I hope that parents and other adults will take the time to review this important information. Working together, we can make strides in the fight against underage drinking, other drug use and reckless driving during prom season and throughout the year. 

The following safety tips, courtesy of the Nassau County Police Department, may ease your prom anxieties, while helping to keep your kids as safe as possible:

Tips for Parents

• Know and discuss the school's code of conduct before the prom with your child.
• Does the school's code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school?
• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre- and post-prom parties with other parents.
• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one driving with .02 percent or more Blood Alcohol Content. (That's one drink!)
• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations. (e.g., offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
• Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
• Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Know the location of post-prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• If your child's plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after-prom affair.

Tips for Teens

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!
• Don't let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead — make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends; remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know. If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication. Contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
• Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
• Know where you are and where you are going. Keep your parents and friends informed.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change.
• Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons. It is dangerous and everyone in the car is at risk of getting arrested.
• It is illegal to alter your driver's license or any other form of government identification.

Wendy Tepfer, Director, Community Parent Center