High school prom is one of the biggest events in a teenager’s life. Getting dressed up in beautiful gowns and tuxedos and experiencing a dance just for you is exciting and a way to make memories that will last a lifetime. When you are planning to attend your prom, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you remain safe and protected at all times, without missing the opportunity to make the most out of your night.

Choose a Group of Friends to Attend Prom With Together

When you are planning to attend prom, choose a group of friends you trust to go with you to the event. Having a group of friends that you trust and rely on is a way to avoid getting caught up in risky or potentially-dangerous situations, especially those involving drinking or partaking in drug use. Make a pact to stick together with one another using a buddy system. Never leave a friend alone in an environment that is rife with alcohol and drugs. Avoid leaving the prom or heading to another event without your group of friends and without informing your parent or an adult of your plans and whereabouts. Even if you want to feel independent, keeping loved ones informed of your location is for your own protection in the case of an accident or a risky situation.

Discuss Your Prom Night Plan With Your Parents

Sure, no teenager wants to feel monitored or overshadowed by parents on prom night. However, it is important to inform your parents or guardians of an overview of your prom night plans to keep yourself safe and protected if you encounter any negative experience. Discuss the time you plan to attend prom and when you are expected to return home to avoid conflict and confrontation with your parents if you return too late. Ask your parents about what they expect from your prom night and determine whether or not you are permitted to stay out with friends even after the official prom event is over. Remain open and honest with your parents when planning your prom night to keep your mind at ease while allowing you to make the most out of your time with friends and peers.

Avoid Distractions While Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially among new and teenage drivers. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, often attributed to distracted driving. Whenever you are driving, avoid using your phone, applying makeup, or goofing around with friends, even if you feel safe and in control. Even if you believe sending a text message does not distract you, the statistics do not lie. It only takes a few seconds to become distracted enough to crash into another vehicle or to find yourself off of the road.

If you have a phone call you need to take or respond to, pull off of the road and into a safe location such as a local store to use your phone. Ask a friend to use your phone so you are able to keep your eye on the road and focus on those around you. Even if you are careful while driving and believe you are able to multitask, it is imperative to keep other drivers in mind who also have the ability to crash or lose total control of their vehicle.

Another solution to avoid the risk of a potential accident on prom night is to have a responsible adult drive you to your prom. It is also possible to rent a limousine with friends or another type of driver to ensure you arrive at your prom safe and sound. Renting a limo is one of the most popular trends for prom-goers, especially with larger groups of friends, although it is not always feasible financially. Discuss driving options with the group of friends you plan to attend prom with to determine the safest and most cost-effective method that works for everyone involved. Even if you avoid the immediate consequences, drugs and alcohol can have long term consequences, including sallow skin, hair loss, and other cosmetic problems you may not have thought of.

Wear Your Seatbelt at All Times

Yes, your dress or tuxedo is likely to cause discomfort when wearing a seatbelt, but it is no excuse to not remain safe while operating your vehicle. Require all of the friends who are traveling with you to wear seatbelts on prom night. Individuals involved in an auto accident without seatbelts are much more likely to sustain serious or even fatal injuries.

Avoid Drinking Alcohol or Using Drugs

Most teens who plan to attend prom believe that all partygoers participate in drinking and driving. This is just not true. Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs when attending prom as it increases your chances of getting in trouble with the law or finding yourself in an accident. If you are pulled over after drinking or while under the influence of a substance, you run the risk of losing your license and ability to drive entirely.

Drinking and using drugs inhibits various areas of the brain when it comes to decision-making, contributing to the risk factor of a dangerous environment and atmosphere. Inform your friends about your plan to avoid the use of alcohol and drugs, and encourage them to do the same for the health and safety of your entire group.

Avoid driving to house parties or afterparties that are rife with drugs and alcohol, as you are also risking your ability to graduate if you are arrested or if the police arrive. Drugs like heroin could be present, as well as a significant amount of peer pressure to partake in drugs. A lot of people reported feeling extremely good after their first hit, and that first hit can become the trigger to startup a heroin addiction. Teenagers have a much greater risk of sexual assault and physical violence when drinking or taking drugs and unknown substances, which is why it is advisable to steer clear of peer pressure and partaking altogether.

By preparing for your prom ahead of time and remaining safe, enjoy the time spent with your friends without the worry about falling ill or finding yourself in an accident or in an unsafe environment. Taking precautions before heading to the prom does not have to lessen your experience or put a damper on the evening. By remaining in control of yourself and the situation, it is much easier to enjoy yourself while having the time of your life with your closest friends.

Prom can be one of the most memorable and exciting events in a teenager’s high school experience. Vittorio Menswear and Tuxedos is dedicated to bringing you the finest suits and tuxes so you can look sharp on your big night! Look here to get your free coupon code for your prom tux!

References:

DKBLawyers.com

GoodSamaritan.chsli.org 

StateFarm.com

TheRecoveryVillage.com

SVHairRegeneres.com