Prom night is a special night that most teens look forward to at the end of the school year. It’s an opportunity for teens to dress up, hang out with friends, dance the night away and stay out past curfew. Parents are right to be concerned knowing that alcohol also plays a role in this special night and often leads to a high risk of teens involved in drunk driving accidents in Dallas.
Dallas personal injury lawyers know that drunk driving should not be the only concern of parents. The influence of alcohol can be deadly in other ways as well. CBS DFW reports about the recent death of a teen following prom night at Dallas Skyline High School. The young man was found dead in his hotel room after attending a post-prom party with friends. It is believed he died of alcohol poisoning.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that April, May and June are the deadliest months for teen drivers in Texas and nationwide. With prom, end-of-year parties, and graduation all occurring during this time period, these events tempt teens to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationreports that approximately 6,000 young people are killed each year by teens consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption is responsible for 60 percent of all teen deaths in car accidents. More than 30 percent of teenage drivers involved in fatal crashes are tested with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher at the time of the crash. Roughly 60 percent of juniors and seniors admit to riding in a car with a teen driver who is under the influence of alcohol and 80 percent say they took their first drink by the age of 16. Approximately 75 percent of teens drink at parties hosted by other teens.
There are some things as parents that you can do to help the situation. Communication is the first step.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving National President Laura Dean-Mooney states “Research has shown that parents are the number one influence in their child’s decisions about drinking, so MADD is eager to get the conversation about alcohol started in households across the country — particularly in advance of prom and graduation season.”
Dallas was one of few cities to host the Power of Parents program in April that brought together communities, educators, government, and law enforcement officials to show support and awareness for underage drinking prevention. This was in conjunction with the U.S. Senate declaring April 21st as PowerTalk 21 day, a day dedicated nationally to communicating with your kids about the dangers of alcohol, specifically on prom night.
Parents who struggle with this topic should approach the subject by explaining the health risks involved with drinking alcohol, the long-term effects it can have, the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and how making smart choices can lead to a lifetime of opportunities for your teen.
For more information or a copy of the Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence handbook click here Power Talk 21.
The Goolsby Law Firm is dedicated and motivated to fighting for victims and their families who have suffered in Dallas, Carrollton or the surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving or other car-related accident, call for a free consultation at 1-972-394-2141.
