Prom season is arguably the most exciting time in a teenager’s life (right next to getting their driver’s license). It is supposed to be a night of glamour and fun that teens will remember for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately, the dangers that come with prom night can sometimes overshadow what is commonly a great night to be young. After all, the number of accidents involving young drivers tend to increase in the spring and continue to do so in the summer.
Why is this? The use of alcohol plays a part. Because of this, parents must be wary of the following.
More kids use alcohol during prom season than you might think – A survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) of teens aged 16 to 19, showed that nearly half of those who responded anticipated getting drunk on prom night.
Peer pressure is real – According to a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) survey, 75 percent of teens indicated that they experienced pressure to use alcohol on prom night. This shows that nothing has changed when it comes to teens seeking acceptance from their friends. So peer pressure can be a powerful influence upon young drivers.
Teens may be afraid to call for help – A similar survey found that teen drivers were also more likely to drive drunk than to call for help. This may be due to a fear of getting in trouble or a feeling that their capacities are not compromised. Either way, the potential for a tragic accident is heightened when alcohol is involved.