Agency by the Mall

Statistics show that prom season–April, May, and June–is the most dangerous time for teens on the roads. One third of all alcohol-related collision fatalities involving teens each year occur during these months. On this, the eve of the Senior Prom at Strath Haven High School (located just a few minutes away from our Springfield location), we at Agency by the Mall want to offer some safe driving tips and reminders to ensure that all attendees have a safe and happy night.

Plan the evening. Make sure that both teens and parents/guardians know the itinerary, as well as the names and (if possible) contact information of  anyone else who will be at each location.

Have a constant line of contact. Make sure teens have a way of contacting their parent(s)/guardian(s) at all times. Teens should check in with their parents/guardians when they arrive at each of their planned destinations (prom venue, afterprom, etc.).

Set a curfew. Teens and parents/guardians should decide upon a reasonable hour at which they are expected to be home–not in transit. If teens plan on staying elsewhere overnight, parents/guardians should make sure that a responsible adult is enforcing a curfew.

Discuss how to handle difficult situations and make good choices, such as the pressure to drink or declining offers of rides with someone who shouldn’t be driving. Parent(s)/guardian(s) might want to bring up logical arguments against using illegal substances with their teens, such as reminding them of the memory loss associated with heavy drinking and many recreational drugs that could cause them to forget most of their night or the disciplinary action the school will take against any intoxicated individuals.

Institute a “no questions asked” policy. Agree that if teens call their parent(s)/guardian(s) at any time during the night to ask for a ride home because they don’t believe they can drive home safely, parent(s)/guardian(s) will pick them up and drive them home without asking questions like “Why did you call?” or “Are you drunk?” If parent(s)/guardians(s) cannot drive their teens home for any reason, they should offer them money for taxi fare and the number of a reliable taxi company. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may want to promise their teens that they will not be punished for their transgressions if they call for a ride or take a taxi instead of driving or getting a ride from someone who should not be driving.

Make sure teens wear seatbelts at all times when they are inside a vehicle.

Make sure teens don’t speed. 

Make sure teens are driving defensively. Parent(s)/guardian(s) should remind their teens about the danger of driving on prom night; even if they are driving safely, other drivers may not be, so they should watch out for unsafe drivers.

Make sure teens pay attention to the road when driving. Parent(s)/guardian(s) should remind teens that they should not be distracted by cell phones, radio, or other passengers.

We hope everyone has a memorable, fun and safe night!