Prom Night Safety Tips for Teens and Parents

Prom night is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for teens across Northern Colorado, but it’s also a night that comes with risks – especially when it comes to impaired driving.

No DUI NoCo’s mission is to prevent impaired driving and keep our youth safe. That’s why we want to ensure each prom night ends safely for everyone involved. Whether you’re a teen heading to prom night or a parent supporting from the sidelines, here are a few ways we can work together to keep prom night memorable for all the right reasons.

Why prom night safety matters

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly a third of teen traffic fatalities during prom season involve alcohol. With emotions running high and peer pressure at its peak, prom night can become a high-risk situation. Here are some sobering statistics about prom night and teen impaired driving in Colorado:

• 54% of students who drink on prom night have four or more alcoholic beverages (AAA).
• 90% of teens believe their peers will likely drink and drive on prom night (AAA).
• Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the state.
• In 2023 alone, 119 roadway fatalities involved drivers aged 20 or younger, marking a 59% increase over the past five years (CDOT).
• Between 2010 and 2021, documented marijuana-related crashes rose 475% and car crashes due to drunk driving grew 9.4%.
• More than 85% of teens say they or their peers are likely to drive impaired instead of calling their parents for help because they are afraid of getting in trouble. Just 21% of teens have called their parents to pick them up because they or their driver was impaired.

Safety tips for teens:

1. Have a plan and stick to it – Decide where you’re going, who you’ll be with, and how you’re getting home before prom night begins.
2. Say no to alcohol and drugs – It’s not just the safety risks; it’s illegal. Don’t risk your future for one night. Here are some tips for saying “no.”
3. Use a designated driver or ride service – If plans change, never get in a car with someone who’s been drinking. Call a trusted adult, use Uber/Lyft, or designate a sober driver.
4. Attend your after-prom – Keep the party going while keeping yourself and friends away from impaired drivers on the road. Here’s a list of 2025 Northern Colorado after-proms.
5. Charge your phone – Keep it on and fully charged in case you need to call for help or coordinate with friends.
6. Stay with your group – There’s safety in numbers. Stick with people you trust, and look out for each other.
7. Trust your instincts – If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to remove yourself from a bad situation.

Safety tips for parents

 

1. Have “The Talk” – again – Yes, they’ve heard it before. But hearing your expectations clearly, especially before big events, can make a real difference.
2. Know the plan – Ask your teen for details: Who are they going with? What are the evening’s stops? Who’s driving?
3. Be available; no judgment – Let your teen know they can call you at any time—no questions asked—for a safe ride home.
4. Host a pre-prom or post-prom event – Creating a safe space for teens to gather helps reduce the temptation of riskier alternatives, especially if your teen’s school doesn’t offer an after-prom.
5. Coordinate with other parents – Team up to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to expectations and transportation. Share contact information.
6. Encourage after-prom events – Some schools and communities in Northern Colorado host chaperoned, substance-free after-proms. These events give teens a fun, safe option for the rest of the night. Here’s a list of 2025 Northern Colorado after-proms.

Let’s make prom night safe together

We believe every teen deserves to experience the joy of prom—and make it home safely. Whether you’re dancing under the lights or waiting up on the couch, you have the power to make a difference.

Want to go a step further? Support or volunteer with after-prom committees at your local school. It’s one of the most impactful ways to reduce impaired driving in our community.

Together, we can keep Northern Colorado teens safe and make prom night a celebration worth remembering.

Know of an after-prom event we missed? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list!

 Follow No DUI NoCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more ways you can combat impaired driving in our community.