Have a safe and enjoyable prom or school party

June 14, 2016 · 0 Comments

Caledon OPP is reminding all of Caledon’s youths that the end of the school year is approaching and parties — be they graduation, prom, and/or year-end — are sure to be held throughout the area.
Police are urging parents to take an active role in ensuring everyone’s safety. Parents can influence choices about alcohol use and are encouraged to talk to their teens about responsible drinking and formulating a plan to stay safe while having fun.
Youths who drink are at greater risk of harm in comparison to adults. A lower tolerance to alcohol and inexperience with it can increase a youth’s vulnerability to injury, assault, sexual assault, drowning, as well as drinking and driving. Excessive drinking can also lead to alcohol poisoning and potential death.
Parents should set safety rules for their teens who will be attending celebrations, whether the party is in their home or elsewhere. Teens invited to parties have the responsibility of following sensible rules to make sure their personal safety is a priority. If you will be attending or hosting a teen party, you need to know that the home owner is civilly responsible for alcohol being served to minors.
The following safety tips are recommended to all those hosting and attending parties.
• No drinking or drugs: Parents and teens should receive a firm warning from the host that the party will end immediately if there is any hint of substance abuse. If you are the parent, state that you are prepared to call other parents and/or the police if this occurs. Make it clear that the host of the party can be held civilly liable for the actions of those in attendance.
• No impaired driving: Did you know that the law holds party hosts civilly responsible for any collisions and injuries involving impaired driving by a guest as a result of alcohol consumed at a party in their home? If you are hosting an event, make sure all invitees know well in advance that there will be absolutely no drinking and driving.
• No riding in a vehicle with an alcohol or drug impaired driver: When invited to a party, make sure you arrive and leave safely. If your driver indulges during the party, ask a sober driver for a ride, or call a cab to get you home safe and sound. Also, take responsibility to prevent an impaired teen from driving home alone or with others in the vehicle.
• Parties in restaurants and clubs: If you are invited to a party in a hotel, restaurant, or private club, check with your parents before you decide to attend. Often times when teens choose these locations, the intent is to drink illegally without parental supervision.
Be mindful that OPP conducts RIDE programs all year, not just during the winter. Police strive to keep the roadways safe and removing impaired drivers from the highway is just one of the ways that they help keep motorists safe.
Caledon OPP officers would like to wish all graduates a safe and enjoyable end of the year.
Remember that “graduation is not the end of a tough journey; it is the beginning of a beautiful one.”