Group of Teenage Friends Dressed Up For Prom

HELPING PARENTS & TEENS PLAN FOR A SAFE PROM SEASON

IN THE SCHOOLS

Prom is a special night for teens to celebrate the end of the school year. AAA reminds parents and teens to be extra safe this prom season.

Every year around this time, we hear of prom-goers getting into car accidents as a result of drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than one-third of youth under the age of 21 killed in alcohol-related fatalities in 2001 died during the months of April, May and June – prom and graduation season. The most popular excuses given by teens that were caught drinking and driving include: prom, graduation, spring break, and relationship turmoil.

Traffic Safety Programs & Materials

AAA offers a few helpful tips:

Parents

  • Talking with kids about the hazards of drinking should be part of an ongoing conversation with them
  • Make sure you know where your child is going before and after the prom
  • Don’t allow too many prom-goers into one vehicle; more passengers lead to more distractions
  • Click here to watch an important video with your teen
Teens
  • Be prepared to deal with the pressures that come with the responsibility of driving
  • Do your best to remain focused
  • Driving drowsy is dangerous - if you are barely awake, you should not be driving
  • Take a pair of comfortable shoes to change into for driving; fancy high heels or bulky dress shoes that you aren't accustomed to can make hitting the pedals difficult
  • Plan something fun and stick to the plan - know where you are going, what you are doing and keep your parents informed

In addition to drinking and driving, accidents can happen anytime a driver is distracted, even for just a few seconds. It is critical to have heightened focus particularly at prom-graduation time. AAA wishes you a Happy and Safe Prom & Graduation Season!

Click here to learn more about Teen Driver Safety

Click here to view an important video: Teen Driving: Drinking, Driving, Disaster