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Groups Emphasize Responsible Choices at Prom Safety Program
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
New London’s SRO Deputy Roberts gathered together the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa State Patrol, New London Police, as well as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). The result was a marvelous, impactful Prom Safety Event for the district’s staff and students. Friday, March 20 the Lorber gymnasium was filled with hands-on activities. These activities helped students understand the dangers of impaired driving. They wore vision-impairing goggles while attempting tasks like walking a curved path and driving a golf cart. They also experienced the “Seatbelt Convincer” to feel the impact of a slow-moving crash.
While the program focused on Prom, the truth is that April, May and June are dangerous months for teenagers. Spring is arriving, prom and graduation are being celebrated everywhere. The officers and personnel available visited with students and answered questions all the while emphasizing that the young person is responsible for making the safe choices. Officers and parents will not be at the celebrations saying “Are you sure?” or “Use your head, your friends might be wrong!”
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. In 2014, 2,270 teens ages 16-19 died in motor vehicle accidents. That’s equal to six teens dying in accidents every day. Teenagers actually drive less often than all age groups (except for the very old.) But the fatal crash rate for ages 16-19 is three times higher than for drivers 20 and older.
Prom concerns come from many directions. Accidents can certainly happen at any time. Driving at night is more dangerous. The rate of fatal crashes is almost 4 times higher for male teen drivers. Girls are not exempt. Their fatal night rate is three times higher. Weekends are also more dangerous for teen drivers. In 2008, 54% of teen fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Prom involves both those criteria.
What are recommendations for a safe April, May, June for graduates and their friends? Zero tolerance for underage drinking is the first that comes to mind. MADD provides many suggestions to help with this issue. Even so, a young people should be choosing a designated driver who is reliable and will not imbibe. According to a 2016 study, 34% of students admitted to using drugs or alcohol on Prom night.
Distracted driving is a huge issue as well. A simple suggestion — have your student make a playlist well in advance. Trying to find just the right song while driving can be disastrous. Appointing a DJ, text-sender or navigator in the prom vehicle prevents driver distraction.
Arriving and leaving in groups is a recommendation that is a two-edged sword. It has been shown that large numbers of teens in the same vehicle increase the accident rate. Caravanning would be of help especially if there were vehicle problems. Students can look out for each other and especially never leave anyone behind. Limiting phone use is more than appropriate.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in 60% of fatal crashes of 16- to 20-year-olds, the occupants were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Seat belts also prevent serious injury. Buckle up! The prom dress or tux will survive a few wrinkles.
The High School has clear rules about who can attend prom. Also, there are policies in place regarding leaving and returning to prom. The Junior and Senior Parents provide post-prom activities that include fun as well as many prizes for participating at post prom well into the early morning hours after the dance. A safe fun Prom is planned for all.
