Valuable Prom Night Driving Tips for Teens and Parents : Bob Ciasulli

Prom season is meant to be celebratory and joyful. Unfortunately it is also a time of unnecessary, and sometimes fatal accidents caused by reckless driving and drinking and driving. Bob Ciasulli brings you the following tips to ensure your children’s safety come prom night.

Hi, I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. Because of my interest in safe driving practices, I’ve put together several tips meant to keep your children safe on prom night.

Sadly, almost 2,000 teenagers die each year from accidents caused by drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, prom season has a disproportionate share of those statistics.

Prom should be a night worth remembering and an opportunity for high school students to celebrate the end of school with their friends.

Around this time of year, there are unfortunately many reports of young prom-goers and teenagers involved in car accidents due to reckless driving, drinking, and partying. Although reports of teen drinking and driving has significantly decreased in the last 20 years (down almost 40% from 1990 to 2005), many teens still find themselves in risky driving situations on prom night. This is true for other situations as well—any scenario when an inexperienced teen driver is distracted by friends, mobile devices, or restrictive and uncomfortable clothing can result in injury or a car accident. Teens, review these following tips to ensure a safe prom night.

Safe Prom Night Driving Tips for Teens:

• Enforce the rule that everyone in your vehicle (including yourself) wear a seatbelt. This is the easiest way to ensure the safety of passengers and can save lives in the event of a high speed or low speed crash.


• Anticipate other drivers on the road—no doubt on prom night there will be many distracted drivers. It’s up to you to drive defensively and protect yourself.


• If you’re the designated driver, do not consume alcohol. If a friend is driving or intends to drive after consuming alcohol, don’t let them drive. It’s not worth the risk. Alcohol impairs your reaction time and coordination.


• Ensure that you know where you’re going. If you’re driving late and night and are unfamiliar with the destination, you may want to review directions or drive by the location beforehand.


• If you’re tired, it can have the same effect on your driving abilities as alcohol. Call home for a ride: your parents would rather pick you up then allow you to place yourself in a risky scenario or dangerous driving situation.


• If you’re wearing an outfit you’re not accustomed to—a prom dress, high heels, a tuxedo, or bulky dress shoes it’s a good idea to bring sneakers or other form of footwear or clothing you feel comfortable driving in. Slamming on the brakes in unfamiliar shoes is dangerous.


• Keep your cell phone with you at all times in case of emergency, but do NOT text or call while driving.

Parents, the following tips are for you:

• If your teen is uncomfortable driving, suggest a limo service or an experienced adult chaperone to serve as a chauffer for the night.


• Too many overexcited teens in one vehicle can be dangerous. Limit passengers per vehicle and you’ll be limiting distractions.


• Find out where your son or daughter is going to be for the night, as well as post-prom parties.

Teens and parents: follow those rules and everyone will have an enjoyable and safe night.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These tips are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.