For Immediate Release:

Please contact:

Terry Krohn, Director

Two Rivers Public Health Department

701 4^th Avenue, Suite 1

Holdrege, NE  68949

308-995-4778

1-888-669-7154

 

Every year we hear reports of prom-goers getting into car accidents as a result of drinking and driving. In addition to drinking and driving, accidents can happen any time students are distracted, even for just a few seconds, or because they are wearing clothing that doesn't allow them to move freely. Two Rivers would like to share a few easy-to-follow tips to keep this special night safe.

·         Always wear your seatbelt and make sure everyone in the car does, too.

·         Concentrate and drive defensively. There are likely to be a lot of distracted drivers on the road on prom night.  Many of them are in borrowed vehicles which they are not used to driving.

·         Never allow someone who has been drinking to drive, no matter how confident the driver is about his abilities. Call 1-866-MUST-B-21 to report underage drinking. (1-866-687-8221)

·         Remember that tired drivers are dangerous. If you're tired, you shouldn't be behind the wheel.

·         Call home to get a ride. No matter what time it is, your parents would rather pick you up than have you drive in a dangerous situation.

·         Don’t talk on your cell phone, don’t text or take pictures while driving.

·         Take a spare pair of comfortable shoes with you for driving so you don't have to drive while wearing unfamiliar high heels or bulky dress shoes.

·         Know where your child is going to be during the dance and at the after-prom parties.

·         Don't allow too many prom-goers into one vehicle. (More passengers mean more distractions.)

·         Consider a limo or an adult driver to chauffeur students − someone who has more experience driving at night and someone who is not hopped up on prom-night adrenaline.