Prom Night Dangers: Preventing Accidents and Understanding Your Legal Rights

Prom night is one of the most anticipated milestones of high school. Whether you’re a teen getting ready to dance the night away or a parent helping pick the perfect outfit, it’s a night filled with excitement. But amidst the glamour and celebration, it’s important to recognize that prom night can also bring serious risks—especially when it comes to teen driving and alcohol consumption.

This blog isn’t here to take away the fun, but to shed light on the hidden dangers of prom night and what steps you can take to prevent accidents—or pursue legal action if an injury occurs.

The Reality: How Common Are Car Accidents During Prom Season?

Teen car accidents happen year-round, but the risk rises significantly during prom season—typically between April and June. According to data from 2013, 27% of all teen vehicle fatalities occurred during these months, totaling 676 deaths nationwide.

Even if your teen is a passenger of an at-fault driver in an accident, they can still be entitled to compensation if they’re injured.

Why Are Prom Night Accidents So Common?

Teens are naturally adventurous and social. Unfortunately, these traits can lead to risky behavior behind the wheel. The two most common activities that make them prone to car accidents are:

1. Distracted Driving

From texting to chatting with friends, it’s easy for teens to lose focus on the road. Phone usage, checking directions, talking, changing the radio, applying makeup–all of these count as distracted driving when behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in a serious accident.

2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Prom and graduation season often come with increased access to alcohol. According to surveys:

• 31% of teens are more likely to drink or use drugs during prom.

• 87% of those teens admit they’d rather drive under the influence than call their parents or pay for a ride.

These are deadly decisions that could lead to tragic consequences for the driver, passengers, and others on the road.

If your teen was a victim of a prom-related car accident, you can schedule your free consultation with Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260.

Safety Tips for a Magical (and Safe) Prom Night

For Teens:

• Stay Focused: Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Avoid texting, snapping photos, or chatting excessively with passengers.

• Buckle Up: Seat belts save lives—period. Make sure that you and all of your passengers buckle up before hitting the road.

• Don’t Speed: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the impact of any collision.

• Drive Sober: Never get behind the wheel if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs. It’s not just illegal—it’s dangerous. ANY level of alcohol or drugs in your system will result in a DUI charge if you are under 21.

For Parents:

• Consider Hiring a Driver: Hire an Uber or a trusted adult to drive your teen so they can enjoy the night without the added pressure of driving. For safety reasons, suggest having your teen ride with 2 or 3 friends — it lowers the cost of the ride and makes everyone more comfortable.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Have an honest conversation about your expectations. Teens will often copy the behaviors of their parents, so set a good example while enforcing the rules. This means never driving drunk or distracted, and always buckling up.

• Offer a Safe Place to Stay: Parties with teens and young adults often get out of hand, and designated drivers may mistakenly choose to drink. Consider preparing to offer your home for the night to ensure your teen isn’t putting themselves or others at risk.

When the Unthinkable Happens: Know Your Legal Rights

Even the most responsible teen can be hurt in an accident that wasn’t their fault due to someone else’s negligence. If you or your child has been injured in a prom-related accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical care and ambulance costs

• Surgery or ongoing treatment

• Pain and suffering

• Missed work

• Property damage

• Wrongful death

• And more

Teen Injured on Prom Night? Call Shaw!

At Carabin Shaw, we understand how devastating a preventable accident can be—especially on a night meant for celebration. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate your options and fight for what you’re legally entitled to.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 or use our live chat to schedule your free consultation today.

No fees. No obligations. Just expert legal advice.

We look forward to serving you.