Prom is an Exciting Time, Celebrate it Safely

By Betsy Dean

With prom and graduation season upon us, it’s an exciting time for students and their families. We want to urge you to do all you can to make it a happy and safe time for your teen.

Each year, we lose far too many teenagers to motor vehicle crashes, with an increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities on prom and graduation weekends.  Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young adults between the ages of 15 – 19 and the reality is that many of those deaths were caused by teenage impaired or distracted driving.  As a parent you have the opportunity to help ensure the safety of your children and others by helping them make the right choices around drinking and driving. You, along with DMYFS and EDGE programs and the deterrent efforts of law enforcement, are a key component to preventing alcohol-related tragedies.

Parents, it is important to remember that it is against the law to provide alcohol to those under the age of 21, even at a supervised party at your home.  The Connecticut “Social Host Law” states that if you choose to host a party where you serve alcohol to those under the age of 21, you can be held liable if one of your guests drinks alcohol and harms themselves or others by driving under the influence.  Even if you are not activity providing alcohol to underage drinkers, if they are drinking on your property you can be arrested.  You could be held civilly liable for injuries, alcohol poisoning, sexual assaults or deaths that occur.

It is important to stress to your teens that choices they make can have lasting consequences.  It is imperative that they understand that using good judgment, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol, can save lives. Talk to your kids, they will listen.

Prom Night Tips

• Discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with your teen and with other parents. 
  
• Be sure to know the location of the after party and talk with the parents hosting the party. Talk to your teen about guidelines and a curfew.  Talk about the consequences of violating these rules. 
• Discuss travel plans.  If renting a limousine, ensure that their drivers will not allow a person to bring alcohol into the vehicle. 
• Talk to your teen about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• Remind your teen to charge their cell phone and have it with them and keep you informed if plans change. 
• Remind your child that you are there for them if they need a ride home.
• Be awake when your teen gets home.