One third of all teen drunk driving fatalities happen between April and June, according to safeandsober.org. Prom is a night to remember for life, but teens and parents need to make sure they remember it for the right reasons.
Sergeant Lonnie Carper, officer for the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and school resource officer for Shady Spring High School, warns of the consequences for teens driving under the influence—legal and worse:
“Adults that provide the alcohol can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. But, you know, drivers need to be aware that…it’s not just their lives on the line. They can be killed in an accident, but also all the passengers in the vehicle; they also could be injured or killed, and also other innocent motorists on the roadway.”
Sergeant Carper says speeding and driving under the influence are the most common offences he sees on prom night, and the most preventable causes of accidents.
“Don’t give in to peer pressure. Don’t be speeding… Just be observant. Watch the road. Don’t be distracted by people in the vehicle with cell phones. And just keep your eyes on the road.”
Prom should be a celebration. Just stay mindful and make sure a fun time doesn’t become a tragedy.
“Just be responsible and have a good time… enjoy a special time in your life. Just, you know, think about lifelong implications for bad choices.”
