Prom and Graduation Season Safety

Wendy Tepfer, director of the , has written the following in regard to teen safety during prom and graduation season:

Prom season and graduation celebrations are fast approaching for high school students across the Long Island.

Teens are probably more concerned with what they will wear and who they are going to the prom with; while parents are more concerned about talking to them 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 arrives home safely after the prom.

While your teen is preparing for the big night, it is a good idea to have some open and frank discussions about the importance of making safe and responsible decisions on prom night, including drinking, other drug use, driving and post-prom activities.

Statistics confirm that prom and graduation season -- the months of April, May and June -- is the most dangerous time for our teens. One-third of the 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. While it’s important to be understanding and to show your trust, it’s even more important to ensure your teen’s safety. Therefore, it is 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 is 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, 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 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 code of conduct before the prom with your child.
• Does the school 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 21 years of age driving with .02 percent or more Blood Alcohol Content (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 such as being offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver or unwanted sexual advances.
• 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 21. 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 who 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.