5 Nassau cab companies offering free no-questions-asked rides home on prom night

MINEOLA (WABC) -- With prom season comes the scary reality that some teens will be out driving after the dance, and many will have access to alcohol.

But local leaders in Nassau County want to make sure everyone gets home from the prom safely.

"Prom is supposed to be a happy memory," Nassau Police Chief Frank Kirby said. "We're here to remind teens and their parents we don't want to make it a tragic memory."

Five local cab companies, including All Island Transportation, are providing a solution, offering to drive home teens to anywhere in Nassau County if they've had too much to drink or are worried about getting into a car with someone who's been drinking, no questions asked.

"If we're able to prevent one accident from occuring, I believe we've done our job," All Island Transportation's Lawrence Blessinger, Jr., said.

If your child is going to be the one driving kids home from the prom, remind them again not to drink, not to stuff a whole bunch of kids in the car and put down the cell phone.

"We have choices, kids you have choices," Nassau County acting District Attorney Madeline Singas said. "The first thing is stay sober. But make a plan. Designate a driver. Call a cab."

Dr. Barry Rossenthal, from Winthrop University Hospital, urges parents to be involved.

"Parents need to know what their teens plans are," he said. "Where are kids going to the prom? Where are they going before the prom? Where are they going after the prom?"

Students seemed to be on board with the idea, as well.

"You're obviously not supposed to be drinking at these types of events, but it's going to happen regardless," senior Doug Mongiardo said. "So it's good to have kids come home safely."

And otherwise, the consequences could be dire.

"Remember," Singas said. "Your family would prefer to see you home than bail you out of jail or to identify you in the morgue."

The safe ride number teens can call is 516-326-9090.

Singas has also created a safety contract that teens can sign either with other teens or with their parents.