Prom season is underway in Spring and Klein ISDs, and both school officials and driving instructors said they want to make sure students have fun—but stay safe.

Ann Littmann, CEO of SafeWay Driving—a driving school that offers an online curriculum and in-car training—said that while prom is an exciting time for high school students, there are dangers present on prom weekend such as drinking and driving.

“Sometimes there is peer pressure to engage in behavior that students wouldn’t normally do,” Littmann said. “If somebody is drinking, [students] should have a number to call [for a different ride.]”

Judy Rimato, KISD associate superintendent for communications and planning, said that while it is important for students to have fun, the district’s first priority is student safety.

“The students focus on their hair, clothes and coordinating colors,” Rimato said. “The Klein ISD staff focus on student safety first—then, on providing an atmosphere that will be memorable.”

Rimato said the districts takes steps to educate students on the dangers of drinking and driving in preparation for prom night. For example, Rimato said members of the nonprofit group Mothers Against Drunk Driving spoke with seniors at Klein Collins High School this spring.  Klein High School students frequently participate in programs that show the possible consequences of drinking and driving, she said.

In addition to drinking and driving, Littmann said emotional driving and tired driving are dangerous behaviors that students may experience on prom night.

“Prom is an emotional time for any teenager,” Littmann said. “If you’re upset because something happened at prom, take time to compose yourself before you get behind the wheel.”

Todd Peters, who owns a SafeWay Driving franchise that partners with Klein Collins High School, said that while some driving issues are heightened on prom night, the Spring and Klein area is always riddled with challenges for young drivers.

Major intersections, erratic drivers running red lights and parents teaching students their own bad habits—such as talking or texting while driving—all present dangers to student drivers, Peters said.

One way for students to safe on prom night, Peters said, is to have parents, guardians or some other source of transportation arranged for the evening. Rimato said that some Klein ISD schools do provide such a service.

“Klein Oak provides a bus for students should they choose to forego driving or renting a vehicle," Rimato said. “Klein Forest buses all their students from the prom to the after prom.”

If they do choose to drive themselves, Littmann said the best way for students to stay safe is to put away their phones and concentrate on the road.

“Make sure everybody is wearing a seat belt, make sure you’re not eating, checking how you look in the mirror or putting on makeup,” Littmann said. “Get to your destination before making adjustments. It’s important to remember you’re responsible for everybody in the car and on the road.”

Upcoming prom dates in Spring and Klein ISDs are:

Klein ISD

Klein Forest High School – May 13

Klein Collins High School and Klein High School – May 20

Klein Oak High School – May 27

Spring ISD

Dekaney High School – May 12

Early College Academy – May 19