Drawing the Line: Community Efforts in Montgomery County, MD
The Drawing the Line (DTL) program has successfully reduced the prom-related automobile fatalities in their community to zero, ten years running. This program is a coalition of organizations and individuals who work to prevent underage drinking by “changing community perception of—and reaction to—underage alcohol use in Montgomery County,” says the program coordinator, Meg Baker.
A key component of the success of DTL was the establishment of a Police Prom Season Task Force, who initiated participation and input from limo companies. (Previously, it wasn’t uncommon for a limo driver to allow drinking, and even stop and purchase the alcohol for his underage passengers.) “It was a win-win,” explains Officer William Morrison. “Intoxicated kids throwing up and trashing limos cost them money.”
All area limo companies are invited to attend an annual seminar given by the police to increase awareness of the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse.
For example, limo professionals are taught that one indicator that someone is under the influence of Ecstasy is that they are likely to suck on a pacifier or lollipop, because the drug causes users to grind their teeth and become excessively thirsty.
Such training is essential for limo drivers’ ability to effectively enforce the "zero tolerance" contract (to alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and sexual activity), signed by parents and teens. “The evening is immediately over if there are any violations,” explains Officer Morrison. “The parents must pick up their kids, and there are no refunds.”
The Prom as Practice for Life
Prom night is the perfect opportunity to reinforce in your teen that if they want to be treated like adults, they need to consider the consequences of their actions. Teens are hungry for this type of empowerment. It’s also essential that this process begin while they’re still under your roof. That way, you can guide their decisions and veto the unacceptable ones.
Emma Andi 04/18/08
Here are a few pointers for renting a limo on prom night:
1. Ask the transportation company for the Prom Promise. This is a document that teens sign in agreement of not drinking or taking drugs on Prom night. Many limousine and chauffeured transportation companies offer this contract as a way to give parents an outlet to discuss the importance of safety on Prom with their teens.
2. Give the transportation company a curfew. That’s right; the chauffer will abide by any rules you set forth, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour. This is a great way ensure your kids make it home on time, no excuses.
3. Check with industry associations to make sure the company you choose is reputable. Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. If you are still stuck, consult www.nlaride.com. The National Limousine Association’s website lists licensed, properly insured limousine professionals by community. Consumers can compare services, pricing, vehicle availability and receive non-binding online price quotes.
4. Set some ground rules. As the parent, you have the right to tell the transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example, you can ask that the chauffer keep the privacy screen down for the entire ride, so that he/she has a full grasp of what your kids are up to. If any of your rules are broken, the chauffer can turn the car around and bring your kids home.
5. Remember to sit back and relax. A reputable company hires drivers with proper training and licensing. Theses chauffeurs are used to carting around excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control.
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