Prom Season is one of the most exciting things of spring for most high school juniors and seniors. It represents a change of season, nearing the end of the school year and for many, prom is a high school event that is to be a lifelong memory. Prom can be filled with laughter, dancing, fun, and a time for celebration. However, not managed respoinsibly, it can also be a dangerous time where teens make poor judgements, risky or careless decisions, and incur unintentional consequences of careless decisions. These choices can turn Prom from an event remembered with fond memory to a tragic life altering situation.
It is already known that Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, and according to recent NHTSA (National Highway and Transport Safety Administration) figures, approximately 32 percent of traffic deaths of 15- to 20-year-olds are alcohol-related. Another very high percentage of teen traffic deaths is the distracted driver. In many cases, BOTH of those scenarios can be present with the prom event. 
The key to a successful prom includes good choices by parents, the school, and of course the students play a key role in creating a safe prom event. Good communication is the key.
Helpful Tip for Parents:
- Discuss rules for the prom: your own rules, the school rules, and the consequences for violating the rules.
- Communicate with your student ahead of time about the agenda for the evening and have a plan on how to address any issues that may arise.
- Discuss the evening’s curfew and what acceptable after-curfew possibilities there might be (an alcohol- and drug-free post-prom party, inviting friends back home to spend the night under your supervision, etc.)
- Consider providing a special reward for making good choices
Helpful Tips for Students
Plan an assembly around safe prom. Involve speakers, local police, a prevention video, a motivational speaker, etc.
- Wear seatbelts and minimize distractions (no texting, volume of music, number of people in one car)
- Plan to attend prom with a larger group or meet up with a large group after.
- Broadcast public service announcements using your school’s PA system.
- Discuss plans with your friends and prom date ahead of time.
- Know your date before you go. If your date is someone you do not know well, spend a little time together in advance. Take a walk at a park or go for an ice cream before the big night. You and your parents will feel better about your staying out late with someone you know.
- Be willing to stand up to peer pressure, and choose to not attend parties where there is alcohol and/or no parental supervision
- Ask a trusted adult to be near a phone and available on prom night in case you need to call.
Prom should be one of the most memorable events of your student’s high school years. Planning ahead, preparing, communicating, and making sure your teen clearly understands the rules of the night will help both you and your teen have a successful prom.
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