Alcohol Awareness: Prom Night Should Be a Safe Night

Well prom night is right around the corner and once again parents and students all across the country will be scrambling to make this a very memorable event. They are contacting car rental places, and some are renting tuxedos and gowns for the special occasion. A lot of preparation goes into prom night. Everything has to be just right.

However don't forget to plan to make this a safe night. Every year warnings go out to high school students about drinking and driving and everyone does not hear the message because of selective listening. If you broadcast a message over and over again sometimes those that normally would discount the message may give it some consideration or even take the advice.

If you drink and drive you put your life at risk as well as the lives of others. All it takes is one night of carelessness and you could tragically change your life forever or you could fatally injure yourself or others. Anyone that survives such an ordeal can tell you it is something that they carry and remember for the rest of their lives. Many have said that a day does not go by that they don't recall those horrific events. You subject yourself to injuries, paralysis, pain and regret when you throw caution to the wind at the expense of one night of fun. It is not worth it

Don't give in to peer pressure and in fact maybe you can be the one that provides the peer pressure but going in the other direction. Apply pressure to your friends and tell them about all the bad things that can happen if they drink and drive. Keep at it until they get the point and know that you are serious. You could be helping them avert a serious accident. After prom night you still have to live there will be plenty of other opportunities for you to have fun and enjoy life. There are plenty of ways to have fun without alcohol.

Prom night and graduation can entice more students to drink and drive. April is alcohol awareness month for that very reason. Some places have special events along with speakers to help make students more aware of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. As soon as you take one drink your senses are distorted and your vision can become impaired. You don't have the ability or capability to drive and therefore you are unable to determine the exact distance other cars are from you. If you drink and drive your ability to negotiate a turn in the road is impaired. You may not be able to even clearly see the road. Too many things are stacked against you when you drink.

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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.

To have a safe prom night all it takes is for you to look in the mirror and say I will not drink and drive nor will I drive with others who have been drinking. I will also warn others about the dangers of drinking and driving. Make a promise to yourself that you will not contribute to this type of activity. Keep it a safe night. You want this to be a memorable night but the joyful reasons. One slip up and you impact the lives of your friends, families, other students, parents, and the community. Relax have fun, heed the warning and have a safe and enjoyable time.

Source: http://alcoholism.about.com/b/2009/04/08/alcohol-awareness-keeping-prom-night-safe.htm