Social Impact & Volunteering

Prom and Graduation Are Just Around the Corner--What You Can Do To Help Your Teenager Make It Home Safely

Apr 2, 2013 3:00 PM ET

NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 2, 2013 /3BL Media/ - When it comes to driving, teenagers are already four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, prone to distractions and poor judgment at a greater level than more experienced drivers. Adding the dynamics of prom nights and graduation celebrations to the mix only increases the risks, leaving nervous parents hoping that their children can celebrate safely and responsibly.

While all parents want their child to enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime events, it’s important to take preventive measures to ensure children’s safety during these high-risk times.

“The risk for teens is heightened during celebrations such as prom and graduations,” says Vicky Dinges vice president of corporate social responsibility at Allstate. “Increased distractions like boisterous passengers, music, food, drink, nighttime visibility, and general excitement can divert a young driver’s attention from the road, and that could lead to dangerous and even fatal consequences.”

Statistics show that, under normal circumstances, the fatal crash rate for teens is four times that for older drivers. And according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash; this age group had the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.

For those reasons, Allstate Insurance Company offers the following tips as prom and graduation season approach:

  • Plan an alternate source of transportation – arrange for a cab or a limousine.
  • Limit the number of passengers in your teenager’s car – more passengers create more potential distractions for the driver.
  • Prohibit driving under the influence – underage drinking and driving is against the law. Make it clear to your teens that if they drink or use drugs, driving privileges will be revoked.
  • Establish an SOS – teens make mistakes and sometimes get themselves into dangerous situations. Make sure your teens have a responsible adult they can call if they feel they shouldn’t be driving or are riding with another young driver who shouldn’t be driving.
  • Reduce distractions – make sure your teen agrees not to eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving.
  • Buckle up – teens, more than any group of drivers and passengers, don’t use seatbelts.
  • Check the condition of your teen’s car – make certain your teen is driving a car in good condition.

“In the blink of an eye, what should be a joyful time can turn tragic,” said Dinges. “By taking a just few small steps, parents can keep their teens safe and make sure the memories they take into the summer are wonderful memories.”

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate.com/financial and 1-800 Allstate®, and are widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $29 million in 2012 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

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