3 Ohio Communities That Are Working To Make Prom Night Safe - Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Association
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3 Ohio Communities That Are Working To Make Prom Night Safe

Every day, 28 people are killed by drunk drivers and every 51 minutes, drunk driving ends a life. Juniors and seniors are at exciting points of their lives when Prom season rolls around. Juniors are beginning their college search and seniors are getting ready to graduate and begin the next chapter of their lives. A bad decision can change everything in an instant, and have deadly consequences. It is encouraged that each parent sit down with their young adult and emphasize the importance of smart decision-making when it comes to drinking, driving and staying safe during prom and graduation season.

At Indian Valley High School, located in Enon, Ohio, students will roll a dice to see if they have to take a breathalyzer test when they arrive at the dance. A number between one and six will be selected before the die is rolled and if students roll that number, they’re selected. It’s something the high school has been doing for the last four years for prom and homecoming, and something students have somewhat embraced. While not accusing students, the idea is to communicate that drinking is not going to be permitted, nor should it be something you’re engaging in a social activity like the prom. The high school also hosted speakers and representatives of organizations that promote abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

The Ohio Valley Mall hosted the fifth-annual Prom Safety Day, with close to 600 students from high schools at Union Local, Bellaire, St. Clairsville, Barnesville, Martins Ferry, Shadyside, and Bridgeport high schools in attendance. Speakers at the event included Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, who spoke about the consequences of drinking and driving, adding that many young people fail to understand the reality that death or serious injury can touch them or a loved one. He also went over the consequences of incarceration, loss of a driver’s license, and increased insurance rates that they are agreeing to face when they decide to drink and drive.

A committee of Howland High School parents organized a post-prom event for all Howland junior and senior students in order to keep students safe. In February, the committee submitted an essay, budget and PowerPoint presentation for the Herren Project Purple and Proud Grant. The committee was notified that Howland was awarded the first place grant of $2,000. Following prom on May 13, students were transported by bus to Fun N Stuff in Macedonia where they hosted Howland High School students for an all-night party. This movement was encouraged to keep students safe and exercise smart decision-making.

GCADA is joining the National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving in Senior Promise 2017, a nationwide campaign that urges all students, parents and other community members to do their part to institutionalize smart choices for prom goers and graduates. Senior Promise 2017 urges all members of the community to learn about the facts and do their part to help teens stay safe as they celebrate these milestone events.  The call-to-action begins with a knowledge and understanding of the facts, followed by a pledge from each of us to support smart choices and safe driving to help make this a safe, exciting and memorable time for the Class of 2017. As a way of saying ‘thanks’ and encourage support, campaign participants can enter to win prizes that will be awarded weekly during the camping period.