Teen Driving Safety During Prom & Graduation

Graduation and Prom Season: Keeping Kids Safe on the Road

As the school year winds down, excitement fills the air. Prom night and graduation are milestones teens look forward to all year. But amid the celebrations, a serious issue emerges—an increase in teen driving accidents. Late-night parties, emotional highs, and peer pressure can lead to risky decisions behind the wheel. Now more than ever, parents and communities must prioritize road safety to protect their teens during this festive season.

The Dangers of Distracted and Impaired Teen Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes involving teens. Texting, using social media, or even chatting with passengers can divert attention from the road in a split second. According to the CDC, teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be in a fatal crash due to distractions.

Equally concerning is impaired driving. Alcohol, marijuana, and other substances lower teens' ability to react and make smart decisions. During prom and graduation season, the temptation to drink or experiment increases. Even one poor choice can lead to lifelong consequences—or worse. Parents should talk openly about these dangers before keys change hands.

May is Prime Time for Prom, Graduation, and Teen Driving Risks

May marks the height of end-of-school-year events. Proms, grad parties, and senior trips fill calendars across Florida and the U.S. With all the festivities comes more driving—often at night and under less supervision. AAA reports that the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest for teen drivers.

As excitement builds, so do opportunities for distractions, peer pressure, and risky behavior. It's vital to prepare teens before they hit the road during this celebratory season.

How to Keep Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

You can help keep your teen—and others—safe with a few proactive steps:

• Set clear rules. No texting, no drinking, and no extra passengers without permission.
  
• Plan ahead. Arrange safe rides or designated drivers for prom night and parties.
  
• Use a driving contract. Write out expectations and consequences together.
  
• Stay in touch. Ask your teen to check in during the night so you know they're safe.
  
• Lead by example. Teens model adult driving behavior—make yours responsible.
  

Communication is key. Remind them that it's okay to call you for a ride, no questions asked. Safety always comes first.

Call Us to Learn More About Teen Driving Safety

At Retamar & Millian Personal Injury Attorneys, we’ve seen the aftermath of preventable teen driving accidents. Let’s work together to keep your kids safe.

If your family has been impacted by a teen driving accident, we're here to help 24/7.

Call us today:
West Florida: (813) 200-5894
East Florida: (954) 834-0404

Or email us at: receptionist@retamarmillian.com