As prom season begins, Illinois is considering reducing the amount of time that teenagers can drive on weekend nights, the USA Today reported. The Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes urge parents to talk to their children about prom safety.
From 2003 to 2008, a total of 1,563 fatal Illinois car accidents involved teen drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Only California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas reported more teen driving deaths.WQAD reports that many schools throughout Illinois are using “Operation Prom Night” as a tool to warn teenagers of the dangers of drinking and driving as prom season enters full swing.
“Operation Prom Night” is a graphic display of a drunk driving automobile accident involving serious and fatal injuries and is sponsored by a number of organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
MADD is also promoting “The Power of Parents: It’s Your Influence” to promote safe teenage driving.
Parents can help teenagers make the right choices by:
– Establishing clear rules and consequences for underage drinking and monitoring your child’s activities.
– Acknowledging that the choice to be drug and alcohol free isn’t easy.
-Signing a contract allowing a limo driver to phone parents if alcohol is detected.
-Insisting that only registered passengers be allowed transportation.
-Never serving alcohol to an underage person.
If your teenager is involved in an accident, contact the Chicago injury lawyers and Illinois car accidents attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.