The Upper Midwest is finally emerging from its winter freeze into glorious springtime. That means that there are proms happening all over our fair state this month and next. And while teens are eagerly anticipating dressing up and having fun, parents are worrying about all the problems that can lead to a prom night car wreck.
Read on for some common-sense tips that could help keep your teenager safer on prom night.
Stay in the know
Parents, don’t surrender your parental authority. You have more power in your relationship with your teens than you realize. Contact the parents of your teen’s friends to verify that no alcohol or drugs will be available at after-prom parties and that an adult will supervise those parties. You could also offer to host a post-prom breakfast for the kids to further ensure your child’s sobriety. Make it clear to your teen, also, that you would rather pick them up or call an Uber for them than have them risk riding in a car with an inebriated friend (or driving while impaired).
Hire a professional driver
Party buses and limos may be cost-prohibitive for single couples, but they can be surprisingly affordable for groups of teens. Having several parents go in together on a car and driver can provide moms and dads with the peace of mind they need to allow their teenagers to cut loose and have fun safely — knowing that a professional is behind the wheel as they travel to and from the dance.
Give kids a code word
Peer pressure is never stronger than during the teen years, and your teen is not immune. Bolster their ability to resist pressure from friends to drink or abuse drugs by giving them a code word that can easily be worked into a conversation. That can alert parents that all is not well, and they need to go pick up their child to keep them safe.
Unfortunately, even if your teen sticks to the straight and narrow, there’s no guarantee that other drivers won’t be an issue. If your child gets injured in a car accident on prom night, it’s helpful to learn more about their rights to compensation for their damages and losses.