Limo driver pulled over for DUI...how safe are your teens?

Most moms justify spending big bucks on a prom night limo because they don't want their teens--or teens' friends-- driving drunk. But what happens when the chauffeur they hire has been hitting the bottle?

That's what happened Saturday night when a limo driver hired to take a group of Detroit teens to the prom was pulled over with a blood alcohol level more than two times the legal limit.

The driver was fired immediately, according to the limo company's owner, but that doesn't make us moms feel much safer.

We know...how about we chauffeur our own kids to the prom in our SUVs or minivans? The kids would just love that! (wink) At least we'd know we would be clean and sober (but the girls might get a few cracker crumbs on their dresses from our dirty seats). Or we could always call "Limo Mom" Kristie Burns, the single mother of 2 who recently bought a limousine to cart her kids around in. We'd trust her with our teens without question!

If you are considering hiring a limo for your teens, here are some safety tips from Billie Jones of A-1 Limousines:

- Verify that the limo company is properly registered and insured.
- Get the limo company owner's phone number so you can call in the event of an emergency.
- Ask the company if it does reference checks on its drivers, and how long your driver has been employed.
- Verify that your driver has a special Class B license.
- Check the company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and the local limousine association.
- Take a look at the actual vehicle you are hiring. Do you like its condition? Be sure to count how many seatbelts it has, look for inspection stickers, and write down the license plate number.
- Meet the driver. If something triggers warning bells, contact the limo company owner immediately.
- Make sure there is no alcohol in the vehicle. (Don't forget to check the trunk.)

Would you rent a limo for your teens on prom night?