Advocate Condell trauma surgeon warns about drinking and driving during prom season

Prom season is upon us. As hundreds of students across Lake County look forward to an enchanted evening, Advocate Condell Medical Center's director of trauma is hoping not to meet them in the emergency room.

William Watson, M.D., has seen more than his fair share of high school students brought to the Libertyville hospital after being involved in car crashes involving alcohol. Watson says Lake County has a statistically high number of teen drinkers.

“Lake County is one of the worst counties in the country regarding teen alcohol use according to the Illinois Youth Survey,” Watson said. “Five percent of sixth graders and 49 percent of high school seniors drink alcohol on a monthly basis. This places us in the top five of all counties in the U.S. in alcohol use.”

While parents can't control every aspect of their children's behavior, Watson says they can play a huge role in deterring underage drinking and driving.

“Parents are the role models for their kids whether they believe it or not,” Watson said. “If a parent has a negative view on underage drinking, it will tend to decrease the use of alcohol by their children. On the other hand, if parents have a passive view on the subject, it's more likely their kids will use alcohol.”

Watson said parents can work proactively to deter their kids from drinking and driving.

“Know your child's friends and their families,” Watson said. “Call the other parents before prom and exchange names and phone numbers. Offer to help out at events involving your kids, especially prom.”

Having real and honest discussions with your teens can go a long way to prevent disaster.

“Make the conversation positive and open,” Watson said. “Be willing to send clear messages about the often severe consequences of underage drinking. If you host a party, lay down the rules regarding who can come, how long it will last and let them know it will be supervised by you.”

Dr. Watson speaks frequently about the dangers of teen drinking to parents and youth organizations. To arrange a speaking engagement, he can be contacted at The Surgeons of Lake County at 847.816.7495.

You can view a short video of Dr. Watson speaking on the subject on Advocate Health Care's YouTube channel at http://tinyurl.com/3le7kd4