Teenage Drinking
Teens May Think They Are Fine To Drive
Although drunk driving is less common among teens than adults, it is more likely to result in a crash for teens. Your teen may think he or she is okay to drive, but alcohol reduces his or her ability to think clearly. By taking the risk, he or she risks his or her life and others' lives on the road. Check out these facts from abovetheinfluence:
- In the United States approximately 36 people die, and approximately 700 more are injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives
- Of the 1,746 traffic fatalities among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2006, about one out of every six (17 percent) involved an alcohol-impaired driver
Talk to Your Teen
As a parent it's important to talk to teens about drinking and driving. Remind your teen it is illegal to consume alcohol if under the age of 21. If caught driving with a blood alcohol content as low as .02, teens face the following consequences:
- Loss of driver's license for 60 days for first-time offenders
- Loss of driver's license for 90 days for subsequent offenses
- No temporary permits for any reason
- Alcohol is alcohol, whether it's beer, wine or liquor
- For most people, .02 is as little as one beer, one glass of wine, or one mixed drink - for some even less
Although getting through to teens may seem tough, research shows they do listen. What you say can influence their habits and keep them safe. Talk to your teens about the following:
- Don't drink and drive
- Don't ride with someone who's been drinking
- Stop your friends from driving if they've been drinking
- Call a cab or get a ride home with someone who's sober
- If you're under 21, just don't drink. In Iowa it's against the law
- And wear your seatbelt - it's your best chance of survival if a drunk driver hits you
Talk to your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving. It's a matter of life and death.