subject: Tips To Staying Safe During Prom [print this page] Prom will be one of the biggest nights for your teenagers life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the deadliest nights for teen car accidents. Its impossible for him or her to be safe, especially since there wont be any chaperones around. By setting ground rules, hiring a chauffeur, and communicating with your teen, you can help save his or her life. Accidents can occur on prom, especially if cell phones or alcohol is involved. It is important for your teen to learn how to stay safe throughout the night.
Have a Chauffeur Bring Them Home Safely
It is possible for your teen to want to skip the limo for his vehicle instead. A chauffeurs job is not just to transfer teens to and from the prom. His job is also to look out for their safety. You must be aware that your teens chauffeur is not a chaperone or babysitter. Since the drivers eyes are supposed to be fixed on the road, it is possible that he wont know how your teen and his friends are behaving in the back of the limo.
Remind Your Teen the Importance of Not Texting While Driving
If for some reason its impossible for you to hire a chauffeur, you should inform your teen about the dangers of texting while driving. A cell phone can eliminate a teenagers concentration to 8 percent. Just sending or receiving a text message allows his eyes to leave the road for a few seconds, enough to cause an accident. There are apps available that prevent teens from texting while driving. They can sense when the car is in the motion and prevent any text messages from being sent or received. Other apps will respond while your teen is driving, and let others knows that he will respond once its safe.
Communicate the Dangers of Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving is also a cause for many teen accidents on prom night. You should communicate with your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving. Your teen should also be aware of the dangers of alcoholism, even if she is not traveling by limo. It is also important for you to get to know your teens friends and parents. You shouldnt be afraid to ask questions about whos hosting any parties, and if any alcohol will be involved.
Set Clear Rules for Your Teen
One last way to stay safe on prom night is for you to set some ground rules. Find out where your teen intends to go after prom. Many teens dont come straight home after the prom. Instead, they venture to house parties where theres a lack of parental control. Ask your teen to give you a call throughout the night to ensure that she or he is not only having a good time, but is also staying safe. You should also enforce a curfew with your teen, if you havent already. This helps you feel comfortable knowing that your teen will return home safely after a fun night out.
