Torsey's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Drunk Driving’

The number one cause of death amongst youngster between the ages of 15 and 24 is drunk driving and so educating your teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving is particularly important, not only for their own protection but for the protection of other road users and pedestrians.The first mistake which many parents make in this area is to assume that they do not need to raise the subject until their own teenagers learn to drive. You do not need to be behind the wheel of a car to understanding the dangers of drunk driving and, like everything else you teach your children, the earlier they learn the more likely the lessons are to stick.When it comes to the consequences of drunk driving teenagers need to fully understand just what it means to kill another person on the road and the devastating impact which this can have on their family and friends. But they also need to realize that many people are also injured as a result of drunk driving and they and their families may have to live with the consequences of severe injury for the rest of their lives. This is not always easy for a teenager to understand but it is a lesson which they need to learn.It is also important for teenagers to fully understand the consequences of being caught behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. So, find out about the drink driving laws in your state and clearly spell out the consequences of a drink driving conviction. Explain to them that a drink driving conviction can not only land them in jail, but can also ruin their career prospects and prevent them from getting a good job.Now, despite your best efforts, it is still quite possible that your teenager is going to find himself in the position of having had too much to drink when he is out with the car and being caught between driving the car home when he knows he is not fit to do so, or calling you and getting yelled at for being so irresponsible. So, this too is something which you need to discuss with him before it happens.Remember that we all do silly things when we are young and the most important thing is to stay safe, learn our lesson and live to try again to get it right next time. So, if your child is in this position he must know that he can call you no matter what condition he is in or what time of the day or night it is to come and pick him up.This is not to say that you are condoning his actions in getting drunk or that he should not be punished for his irresponsibility. But your first job is to keep him safe and make him realize that he made the right, sensible and mature decision by calling you for help.Finally remember that there is no better way to teach your children anything than through your own example and that means making sure that you never drink and drive yourself. If your children see you leaving your car keys at home and taking a taxi to go out to a party then they will follow suit.

“One out of 10 children ages 12 and 13 uses alcohol at least once a month. In a single year, 522 children under age 14 were arrested for driving while intoxicated, (113 of them were under 10 years old). 70 percent of all teenagers drink alcohol. 60 percent of all teen deaths in car accidents are alcohol-related.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 17,000 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents in the United States last year, a rate of one person every 30 minutes. Even more alarmingly, almost 1/3 of the 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. had been drinking.

Statistics show that approximately 70% of all teenagers drink alcohol, including 1 out of 10 children between the ages of 12 and 13.

Safeguards against Underage Drunk Driving:

Parents and older siblings must be aware that they are role models to younger family members, and should be cognizant of what kind of examples they set in regard to both their driving and drinking habits.

Restricting access to liquor and automobiles at home may be an effective preventative measure in the short term, but it is even more advisable to confront your son(s) and/or daughter(s) about the serious risks involved with underage drinking.

Whether driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle, always wear a seatbelt!

If you see vehicles that are speeding excessively or swerving, try to get a license plate number and call your Sheriff’s Office, the local or state police.

If a person has too much to drink and insists on getting behind the wheel, do not get into the vehicle.

If you are going to an event where alcohol will be served, take public transportation like buses or taxis, if possible.

Regardless of your age, if you believe you may have a drinking problem, consult a school counselor, health professional, or an alcohol support group (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous).

In reaction to teenage drunk driving statistics, states have enacted harsher penalties to punish teens that drink and drive. Most states have adopted zero tolerance laws which make it a crime for a teenager to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any amount of alcohol. In addition to harsh penalties for teenage drunk driving, it is also a crime in most states for a minor to drink, possess, transport, buy or even try to buy alcohol. Parents can be penalized for furnishing alcohol to minors, especially in cases where teenage drunk driving was involved.

Teenage drunk drivers also face some serious legal consequences that will harm them into their adult lives. They face revocation of their driving privileges, stiff fines, probation, alcohol education and treatment, and community service not to mention potential jail/prison time for a severe offense.

If you have been involved in a teenage drunk driving incident, you may wish to speak to a qualified attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and options in a case. Because the laws vary by state and circumstance, a knowledgeable attorney can best help protect your interests in a teenage drunk driving case.

”