Prom Night Safety Tips: Advice For Parents And Teens

Prom night is probably the most anticipated night of the year for teens and the most dreaded for their parents. Most teens heading off to their prom this year will tell their parents that they know everything about drinking and driving, and about their parents’ other concerns. According to safety experts, however, it will take more than talk to ensure a safe evening for all.

“No matter how strong the family relationship, many parents are still unaware of the choices that teens face every day,” said Ray Palermo, director of public information for national car insurer Teachers’ Insurance Plan. “For parents to successfully reach their kids, they’ll have to approach safety issues in new, more direct ways.” He offered several tips that go beyond “don’t drink and drive.”

Parents

éGet involved in planning your teen’s prom night.

éTalk to your teen in advance about how important it is not to ruin a great evening. Despite what they may say, teens want parents involved in their safety. Talk about what they should say or do in certain high-risk situations. Consider having a “contract” for the night, laying out the rules everyone agrees on.

éSet out rules regarding post-prom parties or other activities — with whom they will be, where, for how long and what they will be doing.

éGet a complete itinerary for the evening, including names of other promgoers they will be with and phone numbers of their parents.

éSet a curfew based on past behavior, but be reasonable. This is a special night. Have your teen call if there is a delay.

éSend your teen a text message during the night telling them to have fun, but reminding them not to ruin a great time.

éLimit the number of passengers — at most one other couple in the car.

éBe on call for a ride home or other emergency.

éHave a “no questions asked” (at least not that night) policy on getting home safely.

éJoin with other parents and rent a limo for them.

éBe the chauffeur for the night, but don’t meddle. Rent a vintage car to make it more special.

Teens

éMake an agreement with parents to not drink and drive, and not to ride with anyone else who is drinking.

éResist high-risk activities of all types.

éTo avoid tampering, do not leave your beverage unattended.

éAs a surprise, check in with your parents during the night. It will reassure them about how you are doing.

éAlways buckle up.

éIn short, follow your parents’ rules.