Safety tips for prom

Prom is one of the most fun nights of your high school experience. Prom night usually includes reports of driving while under the influence, accidents and deaths, date rape, pregnancies, and STDs.  You want to have a blast and make it a night that will be remembered, but you want to be safe too, right?

•      Alcohol is illegal and slows reaction time, blurs vision, and impairs coordination
•       You’re better off staying above the influence
•       Plan ahead
• Don't go to parties where you don't know anyone
•        Have a designated driver
•      Make your own drinks! You never know what could be in your cup after you leave it unattended
•       Make sure your phone is charged in case of an emergency
•       Take extra money just to be safe
•       Keep your parents informed about where you are at all times
•       Don’t allow any friends with drugs or alcohol into your vehicle
•        Listen to your head. If you feel unsafe or comfortable, LEAVE!
•        Establish a reasonable curfew with your parents
•        Don’t attempt to use any false ID, you will probably get caught.
•        Remember, this night is not Vegas. Don’t let it affect your future!

Here are some statistics you should consider! 

·         39% of high school males believe it is acceptable to force sex with a girl who is drunk or high (US Department of Health and Human Services, 1992).

·         Alcohol kills six times more people under the age of 21 than all other drugs combined (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1996).

·         70% of teen deaths on prom night resulted from not wearing seatbelts (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1999).

·         Teens that choose to drink are seven times more likely to have sex and go unprotected (HHS, 1992).

Picture available at http://api.ning.com/files/VAEHWCWSVl9-sbZv4SEzzkxn*pX16ZxS7jGfCYhyaXuXmVrdBGHzCgtmbXbhbIj6oOWdkNmx-UwusNT1GbLVHZo3Jd3eLDrs/Red_Cupcopy.jpg