Police, Parent Group Release Safety Tips for Prom Season

With prom season and graduation celebrations underway for high school students across the Long Island, the Community Parent Center, a non-profit based in Bellmore-Merrick, has released a guide for parents and teens for a safe season.

The mission of the Parent Center is to provide parents and families with education, resource information and the support they need to raise resilient children who are safe, confident, non-violent and drug-free. 

Wendy Tepfer, director of the Parent Center, advises parents to have frank discussions about the importance of making safe and responsible decisions on prom night, including drinking, other drug use, driving, and post-prom activities.

According to the center, statistics confirm that the months of April, May and June are the most dangerous time for teens, that one-third of the alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving teens each year occur during these months. According to the U. S. Department of Transportation, 5,202 teens are injured and 48 teens are killed nationwide in car crashes on a typical prom weekend.

"We care about our youth, their safety, their futures, and we all want teens to enjoy their prom/graduation celebrations and make it home safely," said Tepfer. "With this in mind, I hope that parents and other adults will take time to review this important information.  Working together, we can make strides in the fight against underage drinking, other drug use and reckless driving during prom season and throughout the year."

The Nassau County Police Department released the following tips for prom/graduation season:

Tips for Parents

• Know and discuss the School code of conduct before the prom with your child.
• Does the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school?
• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.
• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one driving with .02% or more Blood Alcohol Content. (One drink!)
• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations. (e.g., offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
• Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
• Know who is driving to the prom and who will a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• If your child’s’ plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair

Tips for Teens

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!
• Don’t let friends’ drink and drive
• Plan ahead—make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends; remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know. If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one
• Do not leave your possessions unattended
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises
• Remember to charge you cell phone and have it with you
• Know where you are and where you are going, keep your parents and friends informed
• Trust your instincts, if you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change
• Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons. It is dangerous and every one in the car is at risk of getting arrested
• It is illegal to alter your drivers’ license or any other form of government identification.