At the same time, Spano reminds parents that they play a crucial role in this effort – that they need to talk to their teenagers and get answers.

            “For most Westchester students and their parents, prom night will produce memories of beautiful dresses, budding romance, dancing and fun. But all too often, these memories are marred by tragedies involving alcohol and other drug use,” Spano said. “The police will do their part, but parents must do theirs as well.”

Freeway Flyers Gonna Write You Up Now. Don't Even Try to Drink Now.

            The county’s Department of Public Safety will increase its patrols during prom season. They, as well as local police departments, will be visiting high school and junior high school proms. They will also be inspecting limousines for proper licensing and to make sure that there are no alcoholic beverages in the limousines.

            There are no alcoholic beverages allowed in limousines that transport prom goers. All livery operators licensed by the county have been warned that purchasing, serving or allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in their vehicles is a criminal activity and violations will not be tolerated.

Those Big Orange and Whites Will Be Out and Checkin on You.

             “The police will be vigilant,” said Spano. “We want to protect our young adults. We want them to have a safe night. Police departments throughout the county have been given additional funding through the county Office of STOP-DWI for added overtime patrols to deter drinking and drugging – with or without the driving component -- on those nights that proms are being held. Some departments will patrol the areas where establishments cater to proms, some will patrol neighborhoods and others will increase their patrols around favorite hangouts.”

            Spano added, “All of this is not to under-stress the important role parents must play to ensure prom safety. And the key to that is communicating with their child—asking questions and getting answers. We know from experience that this can go a long way towards preventing serious problems.”

            The county has sent letters to school and to limousine companies with information about prom safety.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FROM THE COUNTY:

At least a week before the prom talk with your son or daughter.

·        State that you love him/her and your primary concern is for his/her health and safety.

·        Discuss prom night expectations and concerns.

·        Ask what plans are in place (if any) for post prom celebrations.

·        Assure your child that you understand prom night pressure and fears.

·        Discuss your position on possible uncomfortable/dangerous situations and suggest ways to handle these situations. Be sure to discuss issues of drinking and driving, alcohol poisoning, and use of other drugs.

·        Ask your son/daughter to think about these issues and tell him/her you’d like to continue the discussion.

·        When hiring a limo, make sure it is properly licensed by the Westchester County Taxi & Limousine Commission. (Ask for the company’s WCTLC permit number.) Find out who the driver will be and make sure he is properly licensed as well. Make sure the service understands that there will be under aged passengers and NO alcohol is to be allowed and that the bar in the vehicle is not to be stocked with alcohol.   

At least one day before the prom:

• Re-state your concerns for health and safety with your son or daughter.
• Re-state your position on handling potentially dangerous situations.
• Ask if he/she has additional thoughts or feelings.

The day of the prom: confirm the schedule of events.

• Where will he/she be at what time?
• What time can you expect to hear from him/her and what time will he/she be home?
• Stress you will pick him/her up whenever or wherever if he/she wants to come home or you will leave money for a taxi in a certain place if he/she doesn’t want to call you but wants to come home.

When the limousine or party van comes:

• Double check that the van has the proper licensing from the WCTLC. Cars licensed to do for-hire business in Westchester County will have a rectangular WCTLC decal on the lower right side of the windshield.  The expiration date of each permit is prominently displayed on the permit. The driver should be able to produce a valid WCTLC driver permit.  The expiration date of the permit will be prominently displayed in red underneath the driver’s picture. NYS DMV requires that the driver of a car that seats 15 or more passengers have a Commercial Driver’s License.

• Speak directly to the driver and discuss your expectations that alcohol and other drug use not be allowed in the limousine or party van. Make sure your car service understands the laws on alcohol consumption and their responsibility under those laws.  Also speak to the driver and explain to him that he is not to provide alcohol or allow the consumption of alcohol by under aged passengers while riding in his vehicle.

• Inspect the limousine, including the trunk, for alcohol or other drugs.
• Do not permit your son or daughter to bring non-alcoholic beverages in the limousine if the seal has been broken or the beverage opened. Adolescents have mixed vodka with Snapple drinks and fooled parents by saying, “I’m just bringing Snapple in case we get thirsty on the way.”
• Tell the driver you do not want any stops made on the way to the prom. Adolescents sometimes  “stash”  alcohol elsewhere to be picked up on the way to the prom.

After the prom:

·        See your adolescent when he/she comes home. If your adolescent has obviously been drinking or using other drugs, don’t let him/her go back out.

·        Talk to your teen about his/her experience and compliment good choices. Talk about any difficult  situations that may have arisen.

Things to remember:

·        It is illegal for parents to serve alcohol to young people (under 21) in their home.  Hosting a pre or post prom party that includes alcohol sends a dangerous message to your child and leaves you open to civil or even criminal liability.

·        Accidents can happen not only at the after-prom sites (beach, hotel,  club) but going to and from as well.  

·        Vomiting, passing out, and other alcohol and drug-related incidents can result in damaged reputations, lowered self-esteem, ruined relationships, and potential injury.

·        Driving while tired may be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.