Prom season is upon us, and teenagers all over the United States are buying satin gowns and renting tuxedoes for this landmark night of their high-school years. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD,) prom can be one of the best nights of a teenager's life, or it can be their worst. Many teenagers think it is "cool" to add alcohol to the list of activities at their prom. Some teenagers will sneak beers or cocktails into their limousines when heading to prom or will plan after-parties where there will be an abundance of alcohol.
USA Today writes that many teens and young adults are tempted to consume alcohol during the month of May. This is due to prom, graduation, and the start of summer. While there is much to celebrate, USA today says that alcohol and driving can be even more dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Currently, teen drunk driving is down by 54% according to a report by the CDC. This is encouraging, but MADD reminds readers that car crashes are still the leading cause of death for teens. About one-third of all of these deaths are alcohol-related.
The CDC says that drivers that are 16 to 20 years old with a BAC of at least 0.08 percent are 32 times more like to die in a single-vehicle crash and 13 times as likely to be in a fatal crash affecting a passenger. Thankfully, 70% of all teens are not drinking and driving, but the 30% that are will be at serious risk to an accident every time they are out on the road.
During prom season and graduation, teenagers should keep in mind that drinking is illegal. Underage drinkers can be arrested if they are behind the wheel with a 0.01% BAC. Adults need a 0.08% BAC in order to be arrested, but anyone under the age of 21 can be prosecuted at a lower level. Many times, underage DUIs will result in community service, license suspension, fines, and possible even jail time.
Teens need to remember the consequences of driving drunk before they decide to consume alcohol at an after-party. Yahoo! says that it is important to remember that alcohol will cause a loss of memory. Prom is supposed to be one of the most memorable nights of a teenager's life, and alcohol may cause you to remember prom night as nothing more than a blur. In addition, alcohol has a tendency to make a person look unattractive. Prom is a night where all teens want to look their best, so Yahoo suggests that teenagers remember the effort they spent on their hair and makeup before they consume too much alcohol.
Oftentimes, being intoxicated at a high school event can result in suspension. Teens should remember that they cannot come to prom if they have been drinking. Some high schools have implemented BAC checks at the door to make sure that teenagers did not have a dinner party including alcohol or obtain beers at a restaurant before arriving at prom.
About writes that the prom-graduation season is the most dangerous season of the year for teenagers in regards to alcohol consumption. About one-third of all DUI fatalities with underage drinkers occur during April, May and June. While it is best to steer clear of drinking altogether, accidents do happen. If you have been caught with an illegal BAC, and you are under 21, then you are going to need a DUI attorney on your side in order to fight your accusations. Hire a local lawyer today to stand beside you at your trial and advocate for a verdict in your best interest!