Reasons to talk with your teen about safe driving at prom
Prom should be a time of celebration. The school year’s end is near, and if your teen is a senior, her high school career is almost over.
It’s the perfect reason to dress up, dine, dance and enjoy the moment.
Too often, though, such a celebration results in tragedy.
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens ages 16 to 19 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking the lives of seven teens a day.
When driving is mixed with alcohol, the results are often deadly. More than 70 percent of teens will drink and drive on prom night, according to NBC’s Today show.
Even if your teen does not drink, she is at an increased risk of being involved in a DUI car accident on prom night.
Consider these other CDC statistics:
- 49 percent of teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes occur between 3 p.m. and midnight
- 53 percent of teen automotive-related deaths occur on Friday, Saturday or Sunday
- Teens are three times more likely than older drivers to crash
- The higher the number of teen passengers, the greater risk of a crash
- Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use
Before prom night, parents or guardians should:
- Sit down with your teen and express concerns about her safety.
- Ask important questions: What is she doing before and after prom? Who will be driving? Where will she be?
- Offer suggestions on how to make her prom experience more enjoyable. Would it be best if you drove? Would it be best if you rented a limousine or taxi?
- Put a plan in place. For example, if she is not home by 11 p.m., you will call her cellphone. If she does not respond by midnight, you will alert the police.
You might not think your teen would drink and drive, but 1 in 10 will. Even if your teen is not drunk driving, she could be at serious risk as a passenger with someone who is.
If your son or daughter is injured from an auto accident, contact us at KBG Injury Law. We’re here 24/7 to help your family through this difficult time.
The personal injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law are all experienced litigators. Almost all of them represented insurance companies prior to becoming advocates for injured people, which provides them with a unique perspective and insight into how these companies operate. They also offer extensive courtroom experience if going to trial is the best legal alternative for the client.
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