Published: April 20, 2007 10:01 am      

Prom

My best friend’s prom was Saturday night and to the best of my knowledge he enjoyed himself very much. He did get angry, however, that a lot of his friends had spent $60 on a ticket and left early to party. After prom was over, he made his way to a friend’s house to pick up a few things that he had left there. Coincidently, this was also where the party was. With all the drugs and booze being passed around, I guess the temptation became a little overwhelming for him.

Let me explain. For most people, one bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade won’t even give you a buzz, but my friend weighs only 115 lbs and has never drunk before in his life. I, being the Internet geek that I am, was on my laptop almost all night Saturday. Around four in the morning I got a call when he was DRIVING home! I could hear him giggling and acting really weird so I made my own conclusion, “He was drunk.” He insisted otherwise, but I have known him long enough to be able to tell when something isn’t right. I still didn’t believe him.

Someone should have had enough sense to take him home or not let him drive but, the friends I have remaining in Florida, sadly, have all turned to binge drinking stoners and, needless to say, I no longer associate with them. I wish I had been there but the 500 miles that separates us does present somewhat of a problem. I would have gone in for him and got his things and we would have left, or, had he really wanted a drink, I would have driven him home.

I told him to call me Sunday and we would talk. I finally managed to throw myself into bed around 5 am and I woke up really late, but I still hadn’t received a call. In the night I had a dream, with the worst images to have ever crossed my mind. I dreamt that he had been in an accident and things were looking bleak. So, I awoke and called, numerous times, to no avail. It was 3:30 in the afternoon, I had to clock in to work at 4 and I still hadn’t heard a word from him. I started to panic. I called him, yet again, demanding he call back and tell me what happened and where he was.

Statistics indicate that alcohol-related peer pressure is strongest at prom time. In 2000, during nine consecutive spring weekends during prom/graduation season, the percent of traffic related fatalities that were alcohol-related ranged between 58% and 70% (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

My friend was lucky; he managed to make it home safe. But I have never been so afraid for someone before in my life. If you are contemplating drinking then think first about the friends and family who love you.

All I can ask of you is to not drink and drive. Not just after prom, but ever. Never assume that your friends will not drink and drive. Make a plan and choose who will be the designated driver. Don’t become another statistic.