Safe prom advice from MADD & SADD! When you look back on prom night, you want to remember the fun, friends and romance. To do that, you have to make sure it’s both a spectacular and safe evening. And you don’t have to do it alone. Student government and other school organizations can help put together a schedule that includes assemblies, panel discussions and other events. These group events can help each individual make smarter choices and safer decisions. Use these five tips inspired by MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, to make safety a priority on prom night:
1:Set up a special prom-related program at school. Did you know that motor
vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among youth ages 15
to 20? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Preparation begins well before prom
night, and SADD has special materials specifically for proms that provide
information and create awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
2: Reserve a prom limo. In 2003, 64 percent of fatal car crashes between the
hours of 9 PM and midnight involved alcohol. Between midnight and 3 AM,
77 percent of those crashes were alcohol-related. Since accidents can happen
to anyone, it makes sense to let someone else handle the driving duties on
prom night. Plus, you arrive at the prom in style, and everyone arrives home
safe. Local vendors can be found in your copy of Prom Guide and at www.
promguide.com.
3: Make sure your cell phone is charged or keep a phone card or change handy.
Preparation is an important tool in staying safe. Make sure you’re always able
to make an emergency call, no matter what happens.
4: Take the lead in suggesting drug-free activities for after the prom. You can
have fun and be responsible at the same time, so choose some safe options
once you leave the prom. Bowling, a midnight movie or a late-night breakfast
can all be part of the fun. Invite lots of people—the more the merrier! Make
sure everyone knows about safe after-prom activities.
5: Keep an eye out for your friends and make sure everyone got home safe.
Remember that not everyone will be as safety-educated as you are. Speak up
when you see them doing something dangerous, and encourage them to join
you in some safer alternatives. If you keep safety in mind from beginning to
end, you’ll have take responsibility for your safety on prom night and create a
great evening worth remembering for the rest of your life.
All statistics provided by MADD and SADD.
For more
information, visit www.madd.org and www.sadd.org.
