Unmasking Safety

Mixed in with the costumes, ghost stories, and haunted attractions this
Halloween, teens may be more likely to engage in other risky behaviors as part
of the holiday festivities -- including more partying, excessive drinking, and
impaired decision-making. Parents can keep safety a priority by
1) checking in with teens about their plans,
2) reminding them of the rules and consequences concerning drug use, and
3) checking in regularly by phone and text while they are
out celebrating with the other ghosts and goblins.

Read more tips on safeguarding and monitoring your teen:
http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/safeguarding-and-monitoring/teens-free-time/monitor-your-teen.aspx

Road Safety Reminders

As the holiday season rings in more parties and reasons to celebrate, it is
important to reinforce the rules of the road with your teen. Too often teens
are driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In a comprehensive
study on unsafe driving by high school students, 30 percent of seniors reported
driving after drinking heavily or using drugs, or riding in a car whose driver
had been drinking heavily or using drugs.[1] Remind your teens that driving is a
privilege and if they are caught driving under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, their driving privileges can be revoked at any time.

A few simple reminders for everyone to enjoy a safer holiday season:

•Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel of your vehicle if you’ve been out drinking;
•If you are impaired, call a taxi – use mass transit – or get a sober friend or family member to come and get you;
•Or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
•And remember – Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.