Knoxville High School is holding its prom this weekend, and this often means some students may be tempted to celebrate the wrong way by overindulging.

Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada is reminding students and parents they should come to an understanding before the event starts, to prevent any problems with alcohol or other substances which could threaten them while out driving.

He tells KNIA/KRLS News teens and their parents should work out a plan for their safety, with parents prepared to pick them up now and deal with the consequences later.

“During the prom, or any other event, that their child can call in and say, ‘Mom, Dad, I’m with so-and-so and I think he’s too drunk to drive. I need you to come get me.’ And that you’ll come and get them immediately, no questions asked, for twenty-four hours,” Chief Losada says.

“I always say twenty-four hours because if it’s your child that’s been drinking, having a loud argument/discussion with them when they’re intoxicated usually is pointless. So it’s better to wait for the next morning when they’re sober, and everybody’s a little calmer; then you can have that discussion.”

Chief Losada says there are some people who believe alcohol is an important part of prom, and he suggests parents talk with their kids before the event to remind them this is not the case.