Prom Night is Supposed to be Memorable, But Not Because Someone Died!
This gazebo in the center of the city of Brecksville has been the setting for many a prom night.
Off to the side by the road you can see this sign.
This time of year when proms are going on in just about every high
school, signs like these are pretty common along with radio ads urging
parents not to allow under aged kids to drink in their home. A few
years ago, while talking with some parents I was astounded to hear them
say that they would rather their under aged kids and their kid's
friends drink in their home rather than sneak around drinking behind
their back. HUH? Their theory was that they will do it anyway, so why
not let them do it in their own home. HUH?
Maybe because it's illegal? or dumb? or a bad example? And, yes, I know that kids will drink behind our backs. How to combat that is another post.
Parents
who allow this to go on are not only risking stiff fines (we're talking
ten of thousands of dollars) but possible jail time. Take a few moments
and read the excerpts from the National HighWay Traffic Safety
Administration.
"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-to-20-year-olds in America.
In fact, young drivers between 15 and 20 years old, account for less
than seven percent of America's licensed drivers, yet are responsible
for just over 20 percent of the nation's annual traffic crash
fatalities."
"According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), 7,884 drivers, ages 15-20 years old, were
involved in fatal traffic crashes across the nation in 2003 � killing a
total of 8,666 persons and injuring over 300,000 more."
And as if a fatality is not bad enough...
"In fact, nearly a third (31 percent) of the 15-20-year-old drivers who were killed in fatal crashes in 2003 had been drinking. Twenty-five percent of the drivers had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 percent and above."
Check out the incredible statement below!!
"A
recent survey commissioned by The Century Council, a national
non-profit dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking,
revealed that 65 percent of underage youth say they get alcohol from
family and friends, meaning they get it from their parents, their
friends' parents, older siblings or friends, with or without their
permission."
"Most troubling,
some parents have become willing accomplices in planning teen parties
and turning a blind eye to alcohol use in their own homes.
Between graduation parties, end-of-school celebrations and the
free-time and fun of the summer season, parents can be tempted to host
parties for their minor-aged kids and their friends � sometimes with
alcohol � with the mistaken belief that it is a safer option for their
kids to drink at home than to drink somewhere else."
"The consumption or possession of
alcohol provided by you is all the evidence needed for you to be
criminally prosecuted or civilly sued."
"Specific laws vary state by state, but parents who
break these laws could be forced to pay all medical bills and property
damages in the case of a crash, and could also be sued for emotional
pain and suffering when there is severe injury or death."
"In some states, the parents can even subject
themselves to criminal prosecution. In one case in Pennsylvania, a
parent was sentenced to a 1 to 4 year prison term for involuntary
manslaughter after three teens died in a drunk-driving crash following
a party the parent hosted. In that case, the parent did not buy the
alcohol consumed at the party, but knowingly permitted the teens to
drink the alcohol that was brought in by others."
You can read the full article here along with tips to avoid disasters like these.
Prom is supposed to be memorable, but not because someone died.