Prom Time
Around the country, high school boys and girls are getting ready for the biggest event of their lives…so far. Prom!
My prom experiences were pretty happy ones: a lot of laughter and dancing but a lot of awkward posing for photos, my first painful memory of high heels and not-so-pretty dresses.
One pre-prom memory though, sticks out more than others. Right before my first prom, I took part in a “mock car crash” demonstration at my high school. Designed to warn kids about the dangers of drinking and driving, the “mock crash” is a simulation of what a real-life accident situation might look like. The non-profit organization Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) explains the scenario here.
Talking to kids about driving can be tough but thankfully, there are some great sites with expert tips and resources:
1. Set a good example. In a study by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Liberty Mutual, nearly 60% of high school students said that the way their parents drive is the way that they will drive. Leave the cell phone off, don’t eat while driving and follow the rules.
2. Learn the laws. Some states have restrictions on cellphone use while driving for teenagers. Read the laws here.
3. Do some talking. AAA has some great info for parents on talking to teens about driving (look for the Parent Guidelines link towards the bottom of the page). TeenDriving.org also has some good information.
Have a driving tip or prom story to share? Post it in the Comments below!