Alcohol Awareness Keeping Prom Night Safe

One of the reasons Alcohol Awareness Month is held in April is because it is the beginning of the prom and graduation season, a time when celebrations can turn dangerous for underage drinkers. Many communities conduct anti-drinking campaigns during the month aimed at curtailing alcohol use before, during and after the special events.

In 2005, during Prom and Graduation Season (April, May, June), 676 students under the age of 21 were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Consequently, prior to prom, many schools plan programs aimed at educating kids against the dangers of drinking. These programs feature special speakers, presentations and even displays of crashed vehicles to emphasize the danger.

Some groups utilize some form of a "sober contract," a promise that students sign agreeing to remain alcohol and drug free during the prom and graduation season.

At the event itself, many schools across the nation have begun using breathalyzers to test the blood alcohol content of prom-goers and turning away at the door those who have been drinking.

A Dangerous Season

Statistics show that Prom-Graduation season - the months of April, May and June - is the most dangerous time for teens. One-third of the alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving teens each year occur during those months.

"Prom and graduation season is here again - this is a time for celebration," says Susan Molinari, Chairman of The Century Council. "Unfortunately, these happy occasions sometimes involve underage drinking which can result in tragedy. It is no secret that children under 21 years old are drinking. It is therefore critical that parents keep the lines of communication open when it comes to talking to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving."

Prom Safety Tips from Cassandra Morris and Casey Lewis:

• Risky Business on Prom Night
  
• Top 7 Ways to Drive Safely on Prom Night
  
• More About Proms

Related Information:

• Underage Drinking Prevention Efforts
  
• Underage Drinking Troubles Parents
  
• Teens and Alcohol Don't Mix

^{Photo: Clipart.com}