Teens, Parties, and Driving: What Parents Can Do to Keep Roads Safe

Prom night and graduation season are exciting times for high schoolers, filled with celebrations and memorable moments. But these events can turn tragic when alcohol and cars mix. In one sad case, a 17-year-old driver lost control after drinking at a party and crashed, taking a life. The investigation later revealed that some adults had helped the teen drink and even provided alcohol—actions that break the law and put young lives at risk. This isn’t an isolated incident. In Colorado alone, over 700 people died in traffic crashes in 2025, with nearly a third of those deaths linked to impaired driving. Parents often want to give their teens a fun night, but providing alcohol or ignoring underage drinking can lead to disaster. In another case, a high schooler was caught with a fake ID and bought alcohol from a store that didn’t check IDs. The driver later got behind the wheel drunk, proving how easy it is for teens to access alcohol when adults don’t step in. Some parents even hosted parties where teens drank openly, with alcohol stored in fridges labeled for their use. These choices don’t just enable risky behavior—they can destroy lives.

The good news? Communities can help. Programs like After Prom give teens a safe, alcohol-free alternative to celebrate after school events. Since its start in the 1990s after a string of deadly crashes, After Prom has given thousands of students a way to enjoy prom night without the dangers of drinking and driving. Schools and parents can work together to keep these celebrations fun and safe. Laws exist for a reason. In Colorado, underage drinking and driving come with serious penalties, including jail time for adults who supply alcohol. But beyond legal consequences, there’s a moral duty to protect young people from making choices they’ll regret. One bad decision can change everything—not just for the teen behind the wheel, but for their family and friends.

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