Groups campaign for a safe prom season

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Destructive Decisions have begun their annual prom campaigns to keep students safe during the big event. Locally and nationwide, high schools have been working diligently to ensure this year's prom season will be the safest ever. Parents and law enforcement agencies also have been involved.

BuzzFree Prom is just one prom program sponsored by MADD. Although the campaign targets four cities - Dallas/Fort Worth; Austin and San Antonio, Texas; and Chicago - other chapters can participate. Starting this spring, MADD chapters bring multimedia presentations to high schools between prom and graduation.

Local law enforcement agencies are encouraged to attend and often incorporate mock crashes to display the effects of drunken driving. Many chapters also will distribute promotional key chains, fact guides and pens with a "sobering message."

Founded in 2002 by Liza Orchard, the mission of BuzzFree Prom, in which students promise not to get a drug or alcohol "buzz" on prom night, is to emphasize the importance of making responsible choices and being acknowledged for making smart decisions.

"Prom night is big. It's expensive. And when alcohol and drugs enter the picture, it can be deadly," according to the MADD Web site. In fact, over half of fatal car crashes among teens involving alcohol occur during prom season.

Florida currently has 25 active MADD chapters.

MADD's other large prom-season campaign is called "PROMise to Keep It Safe." Students must sign pledge cards promising to abstain from alcohol and drugs on prom night. Participants get freebies and rewards.

Like MADD, SADD (which was founded as Students Against Driving Drunk), has organized activities to ensure a safe and sober night for all promgoers. "Prom Promise" is a contract in which dates plan their evening and agree to remain alcohol-free. The agreement is then signed.

As for the dance itself, MADD has advertised several suggestions to lower underage alcohol consumption at this year's function: souvenirs for the dance should not include beer, wine or shot glasses; plan casino games or a beach party for after prom; and place fliers with a message to abstain from alcohol on cars in the parking lot.

"Kiddie Notes," a SADD project for prom night, requires elementary school children to write letters to high-school prom attendees reminding them to remain sober. The notes are attached to flowers and given to students as they leave for the dance. A "Drive Sober" message can also be printed on tickets reinforcing the importance of good judgment.

- Stephanie Gurtman, 16, is in 10th grade at Tampa Preparatory High.

MADD offers these suggestions as ways to have fun without drinking:

Go to a late-night diner in your prom clothes and order fries and a milkshake; it'll hit the spot and you'll get tons of attention.

Buy a bunch of one-use cameras, pass them around to your friends and set a goal to use every last picture before the night is through.

Have a Cranium or Act One party at someone's house. Don't forget to have lots of sodas, chips and dips. You'll be hungry after all that dancing.

Host a karaoke party at your house or a friend's.

Visit an arcade with your date or with a group and challenge each other to a game or two.

Ask your local YMCA if you can plan an after-prom basketball tournament. Bring your favorite CDs to play in the background.

Go to a late-night coffeehouse and relive the evening for hours.

After prom, gather in a friend's house or back yard, take your shoes off, turn up the music and really dance. Don't forget to notify neighbors and police of your special event, and don't let guests come and go.

For more information on prom activities, check out the MADD Web site at www.madd.org and the SADD Web site at www.saddonline.com

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