Prom is a night you won’t forget (trust me) – from your wardrobe, to letting loose on the dance floor – the memories made this night will last you a lifetime. Prom night is filled with joy, laughter and special moments, but by the end of the night, temptations start to creep in that could easily change your everyday lifestyle.
Teens are always reminded to not drink alcohol and especially not to drink and drive, but when making the decision to drink, we don’t contemplate the repercussions of our actions.
Do you like your freedom to drive yourself around wherever you need to go, whether its practice, to school, to the store to buy a snack or go hang out with friends? Remember those freedoms could being taken away in a second once you accept that first alcoholic beverage.
Every state has different laws for underage drinking, but most laws will land you with a;
- Class C misdemeanor,
- fines up from $500,
- required enrollment in alcohol awareness programs,
- community service, and
- suspension of your license for up to 30 days on the first offense.
Do you enjoy your extracurricular activities? These include band, sports, dance, etc. Depending on the rules for the specific organization, they can terminate you from the organization for a misdemeanor like this.
The law will find you on prom night if you have been drinking. Police are on high alert to keep you and others safe. The choice to drink alcohol may not only change your life, but could affect someone else’s should you decide to drink and drive.
We don’t want to be all doom and gloom. Prom is supposed to be an amazing night with friends, and alcohol will not make it anymore special. If you are sticking to your guns and refusing alcohol, try to best to persuade others to do the same. If your friends have been drinking, do not be afraid to call a sober adult to pick you and your friends up. A parent/guardian would rather receive a call from you asking for help than a knock at the door from authorities telling them their child has just been in a car crash.
You will be 21 before you know it; enjoy your youth and party on (sober) at #Prom17!
Take a pledge with your friends, that prom is for prom, not drinking and driving.