Keeping Teens Safe & Sober on Prom Night

The Safe & Sober Prom Night Program creates awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol - particularly around Prom time. The Program asks students to sign a pledge card agreeing to stay drug and alcohol free on prom night. High Schools across the Carolinas use this program on its own, but many also combine it with other activities including dramatizations of accident scenes involving drunk drivers. Some schools involve their SADD or drama departments, while others use prom committee or other enthusiastic students.

Since 1991, more than 400,000 students have taken the pledge and more than $45,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to schools with the highest percentage of participation.

The Pledge is this:
MY PERSONAL PLEDGE: I pledge to stay drug and alcohol free, for others and for myself. I make this pledge to my parent/guardian.

For more information or to get a FREE Safe & Sober Prom Night Kit for your High School (in NC or SC), visit our website www.safeandsober.com

Be prepared to deal with the pressures that come with the territory
Not everyone will be as smart as you. There will be some who will decide to drink or use drugs and try to encourage you to do the same. Don't be caught off guard and say "yes" to something you'll regret. Be ready to say "No" or walk away. Humor often works in these situations and once they realize you're not going to join them, they'll leave you alone.

Plan something fun and stick to the plan
Prom is all about the memories. If you and your friends plan something exciting, off-the-wall and memorable, no one will want to leave to drink or use drugs. You can go for coffee, grab a late night bite or even something silly like karaoke. By making firm plans, everyone will have a say and you'll look forward to just being together. This will be worth far more than one night of bad choices.

Be a leader for others to see
Just like peer pressure works to get others to drink or use drugs, it can also work in a positive way. If you're having a blast and are the life of the party AND you're staying sober, others will take notice. Show them it's possible and actually better to have a good time without being intoxicated. You'll have a great time with no regrets!

Stay with your friends all night
It's fine to go to a party on prom night. For most, that's part of the experience. Just be sure you and your friends take care of each other. Watch your drinks so no one can slip you something and help each other stick to your decision to stay safe & sober. If something does happen, you'll both be in control of your senses and be able to get home safe and sound.

Remember that not everyone made the pledge
Weekends and especially Prom night are the worst times to be on the road. There are more drunk drivers at that time. Be sure to drive carefully and know where you're going. Keep your cell phone charged in case of an emergency and take extra precautions like pausing another second at a red light or stop sign.

I have been most impressed with your program and feel quite certain that is has had a positive impact on our student body. When an auditorium full of students comes to a complete silence you know that something is registering with them. You and your law firm should be commended for making students aware of the dangers of driving under the influence as well as how the decisions they make have a profound impact on the rest of their lives.

Art Paschal, Principal
R.J. Reynolds High School

Our students were spellbound throughout the entire presentation as your speaker used real life pictures, displays and demonstrations to capture and keep the students' attention. The presentation was most powerful and stayed with them well beyond the presentation. The parents of some of our students tell me that their young person is still making comments about how the presentation has made an impact on them and how it continues to remind them to make better decisions.

Hal Gatewood., Principal
West Wilkes High School