Prom Fact: Traffic deaths among teens are
higher during prom weekends (March
1- May 31) than any other time of the year.
In 2005, of the 6,100 youths killed in traffi c
crashes, one-third involved alcohol.
Prom Fix: Go with a prom limo! Everyone gets to
the prom (and the events afterward) safe
and in style, and you can share the cost
with other couples to make it even more
affordable. You can find local vendors in
this copy of Prom Guide® and at www.promguide.com.
Prom Fact: Studies show that the more young
people drink, the more likely they are to
drink and drive or 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 driving
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 will
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.
For more
information, visit www.madd.org and www.sadd.org.
