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 "Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her." ~Wilhela Cushman
Prom Safety (edited from sadd.org)  You (or your teen) are going to remember your prom for the rest of your life. It is meant to be a celebration of school friends; full of laughter, dancing and fun. But it can be a dangerous time. Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, and according to recent National Highway and Transport Safety Administration figures, approximately 28% of traffic deaths of 15-20-year-olds are alcohol-related. The use of alcohol is frequently linked with other risky and potentially destructive behaviors, such as physical and emotional violence, sexual mistakes or misjudgments, acquaintance rape, unintentional injuries and alcohol overdose. It takes only one incident to turn a celebration into a tragedy.  Parents: What Can You Do? Parents and guardians play a key role in creating a safe prom. Research shows that good communication between parents and teenagers has a positive influence on risk-taking behavior by teens. - Teens who report regular communication with their parents are more likely to try to live up to their parents’ expectations, less likely to drink, use drugs, or engage in early sexual behavior.
- Discuss prom rules: your rules, school rules, and consequences for violating the rules.
- Communicate ahead of time the agenda for the evening.
- Discuss the 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.)
- Don’t supply or allow alcohol. Studies show the major source of alcohol is friends and families. Some parents feel hosting a house party where alcohol is served to minors is safer because they can control it.
- Allowing these parties is illegal, even with other parents’ consent, and the host parents may be held responsible for consequences that result.
- Know who is driving. If your teen is riding in a limo, check company’s policy on alcohol in the vehicle.
- Encourage seat belt use.
- Do not rent hotel rooms, or vacation rental properties, for prom-goers.
- Communicate with other parents about prom plans.
- Stay up for prom-goers’ return home.
What Can Students Do to Ensure Prom Safety? It’s the students who make the most difference. The best way to get your message across and help friends stay safe for prom is to involve them.  - Plan an assembly around having a safe prom. Involve speakers, local police, a prevention video, a motivational speaker, etc.
- Pledge to have a safe prom with your friends.
- Discuss plans with your friends and prom date ahead of time.
- Know your agenda and provide the information to your parents.
- Plan ahead what you will say or do when offered alcohol or drugs. Phrases such as “No, thanks,” “I want to remember this night!” or “Actually, I’d rather have a soda. Do you have one?” work.
- Know your date before you go. If your date is someone you don’t know well, spend a little time together in advance. You and your parents will feel better about your staying out late with someone you know.
- Find out what your curfew is, and tell your date and/or your friends before prom night.
- Discuss with your parents any acceptable after-curfew possibilities
- Ask your parent(s) to be available on prom night in case you need to call.
- If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged.
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