Fire - Ask a Firefighter Columns

Glendale Republic
04-01-09

Prom Season

It’s prom season! It’s an exciting time for high school students and parents as they rush out to pick the perfect dress or tux for, what could be the most memorable event of one’s high school career other than graduating. The Glendale Fire Department congratulates those students who will be celebrating their prom this year. For many the prom will be filled with great moments and memories but unfortunately for some, the moments and memories will not be so great. The Glendale Fire Department is asking parents to please talk with their students about making good choices on prom night and beyond.

In 2007 there were over 140,000 total vehicle collisions in Arizona throughout the year. Thirty percent of those collisions resulted in injury and 952 collisions resulted in a fatal injury. Persons aged 15-19 accounted for over 10 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle collisions in Arizona in 2007.  Vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for teens.  As always, please advise your students to use all safety precautions while traveling in vehicles including seatbelts.

Parents please talk with your teen about having a plan to get home safely. The Glendale Fire Department is not condoning alcohol or drug use in any way. Studies show that 31 percent of parents of 15-16 year olds believe their child had a drink in the past year, compared to the 60 percent of that age group who reported drinking.  For high school students, good decision making will make the difference on prom night.

The Glendale Fire Department thanks you for your continued support.