Prom season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many high school students but one of the most dreaded for parents. They remember what went on around prom when they were teens, or maybe they’ve just seen too many headlines about horrific crashes caused by prom night drinking.
Fortunately, there are more options than there used to be for teens to get to and from prom and other destinations that don’t involve getting behind the wheel – or in a car driven by someone who has been drinking and/or using drugs.
Limousines
If your teen is going with a group, they may decide to rent a limo together. Just be sure you know what limo company they’re using. Do a little bit of due diligence, and make sure the limo company does not allow underage drinking or alcohol in the vehicle. The same should be verified with any party bus company your teen uses. Reliable businesses follow the law.
Rideshare services
Uber and Lyft both have a policy not to transport minors. However, as long as one of the passengers is 18, it won’t be a problem. If a parent orders the service from their own account, the driver may not check the kids’ IDs. However, you may not want to plan on a rideshare service if the kids who will be using it are minors. If your teen doesn’t want to show up at prom in the back of a rideshare driver’s Ford Fiesta, Uber and Lyft both have luxury vehicle services for a higher rate.
Make sure your teen knows they can call you for a ride
Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Make sure your teen knows that they can text or call you for help without fear of serious repercussions no matter what situation they find themselves in. Many parents and teens come up with code words or phrases their teens can text if they feel uncomfortable and want their parents to come and get them without letting on to those around them what they’re doing.
No matter how vigilant parents are about not letting their teens get in a situation where they’re in a car with an impaired driver, you can’t control what those in other vehicles are doing. If you or a loved one is injured by a drunk or drugged driver, it’s crucial to know your rights to justice and compensation.
