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Prom night safety: Tips on encouraging teens to prioritize safety and make responsible choices

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Encourage prom attendees to take the Prom Promise to prioritize safety and responsible behavior (Courtesy Roman Boed, pxhere.com)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

As prom season approaches, it’s important to encourage teens to prioritize safety and make smart choices while planning their prom night.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur during prom season, from April to June. American Medical Response Western Michigan would like to encourage students to make the Prom Promise to prioritize responsible behavior.
 

“Attending a high school prom should be a memorable event for all the right reasons,” said John Robben, Regional Director for Western Michigan from American Medical Response. “Talk to your teens and friends before prom night about making responsible choices and keeping their safety, and their peer’s safety, a top priority.”

American Medical Response offers these tips to keep in mind for a fun and safe prom: 

  • Stay sober. Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can impair your judgement and put you in danger. 
  • Under no circumstances should high school prom attendees drink alcohol. But if you have consumed alcohol, hand your keys to a sober driver so you can get home safely.
  • Plan ahead. Make transportation arrangements in advance, whether it’s with a designated driver, a ride-sharing service, or another option. 
  • Travel in groups. Stick with friends and avoid walking or driving alone. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious and report any concerning behavior to a trusted adult or authority figure. 
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the night to avoid dehydration. 
  • Have a backup plan. In case of an emergency, make sure you have important phone numbers readily available. 
  • Don’t let friends drive drunk. If one of your friends has had too much to drink, don’t let them get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help to find them a safe ride home.

American Medical Response is committed to helping the communities it serves stay safe and healthy. We encourage prom attendees to take the Prom Promise to prioritize safety and responsible behavior.