Prom season

Prom season is upon us with several schools having hosted their big dance over the past few weeks and many more in the weeks ahead. While the night is a highlight for many students, there are some warnings parents and organizers should heed before the festivities commence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death of U.S. teens is motor vehicle crashes. The agency gives a startling statistic on their website that in 2009, eight teens between ages 16 and 19 died every day as a result of motor vehicle injuries.

Alcohol is also a concern when festivities like prom and graduation parties take place. The CDC reports that at all levels of blood alcohol concentration, the risk of being involved in an automobile accident is greater for teens than for adult drivers.

Parents, talk to your student about the dangers of drinking and driving. Prom and end of the school year festivities can be a joyous time, but poor decision making can result in devastating outcomes.

To see photo galleries from local proms, go to semissourian.com. Hats off to all the prom organizers. Let the dancing begin.