Prom Night Dos And Don'ts: How To Have Fun While Staying Safe

Late April starts the beginning of prom season in Rhode Island, and while it's a season of fun for teens across the state, it's important to celebrate responsibly. Colonel James Manni, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, released a list of tips for keeping teens safe during and after prom.

Car crashes are already the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 19, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An average of nine teenagers died every day on highways across the country in 2017, 3,255 fatalities in total.

The risk only increases from April to June, when young people attend proms, graduations and other parties. During this time, one third of teenager deaths involve alcohol.

"We encourage parents and caregivers to talk to their teens about making smart decisions, especially if they’re going to be driving," Colonel Manni said. "We want everyone to celebrate safely, without putting themselves and others at risk."

For Teens:

• Never drink and drive: Always designate a sober driver and never get into a car if the driver is intoxicated.
• Wear a seat belt: It's the law. Always wear a seat belt when driving and make sure passengers wear buckle up, too.
• Avoid distracted driving: Limit the number of distractions. In Rhode Island, it's illegal to text or hold your phone while driving. limit the number of passengers in your vehicle and keep music at a reasonable level.
• Keep alcohol, drugs and weapons out of your car: If found, everyone in your car could get arrested.

For Parents:

• Have a plan: Know where your teen will be and when on prom night, and have them tell you if plans change.
• Plan for safe transportation: Help arrange a bus or limo for your child and their friends or offer to drive them.
• Talk to your teen: Remind them of the dangers of drinking and driving and the importance of celebrating responsibly. Encourage them to contact you if something goes wrong and to always call 911 in an emergency.
• Be there: Remind your teen that they can reach out to you or someone else they trust should something go wrong or if they need a ride home.