It happened yesterday – and my 16 year-old would be mortified if she knew I was blogging on it – my daughter was asked to the prom. In the same week when I first took her driving, this was almost too much for one father to bear!

What it brings to mind is the utmost level of caution that kids need to exercise this time of year. I’ve had to blog about local young people dying in car accidents too often: the post-prom accident in 2007 that killed the Little Flower High girls (http://www.shragerlaw.com/blog/?p=212); or the Germantown Academy student who died in February (Auto Accidents and Trucking Accident Update for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

This needn’t happen. So here’s what we, as parents, have to do. First, recognize the risks. Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia has done extensive research among teens. 53% of teens have seen passengers of teen drivers drinking alcohol or smoking pot. So don’t say it’s not my child!! Do you want to take a 50/50 chance that it is? Second, communicate with your child. Make clear agreements about safe car use. Finally, get involved. If parents are willing to engage in the process and chaperone or stay up and volunteer to drive, even illegal behaviors won’t turn into dangerous driving behaviors.

Enjoy the prom, and be there to tell me about it in the morning!