Teenage Drinking and Driving

Driving under the influence has been a problem for many years. Unfortunately, the age of the drunk drivers seems to get younger and younger every year. Drinking and driving among teenagers has unfortunately become very popular. And, as drinking and driving becomes more popular, more lives are ruined and ended because of poor decisions such as this. Teenagers need to be informed and educated on the risks and dangers of drinking while driving.

Why Teenagers?

Teenagers deal with a lot in their young lives. From dating to school work, nagging parents and teachers, they have a lot of stress in their lives. Unfortunately, another stress that almost every teen must deal with is that of peer pressure. Teens are exposed to much more these days, including drugs and alcohol. Teens have easier accessibility to such substances, and are experimenting with these substances at very young ages. To fit in and be cool, even the most unlikely teens are trying out drugs and alcohol in middle school and high school for the first time. In fact, a recent study showed that nearly 70 percent of high school students drink alcohol, and 60 percent of all teen deaths in car accidents were alcohol related. The statistics are truly alarming.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents have a huge responsibility in teaching their children and teenagers the risks and consequences of drinking and driving. Parents must take this responsibility seriously and become educated themselves on the heartbreaking stories and statistics related to teenage drinking and driving, and then share this information and knowledge with their teenagers.

What Can Schools Do?

Schools also play a large role in keeping teenagers sober and safe. Schools must dedicate assemblies and programs to teaching and informing students on the hazards and risks that are associated with drinking and driving. Schools should also have football, soccer, and other games and dances supervised and regulated by parents and teachers to keep a watchful eye out for drugs and/or alcohol

The Risks And Consequences

Some teens tend to think they are invincible and that they can get away with drinking and driving every once in awhile. If they only knew the risks and consequences that come with drunk driving, maybe there would not be so many fatalities every year. Some of the risks and consequences associated with drunk driving include:

Suspension or removal of license

Jail time

Community service

Suspension of school

Mandatory enrollment in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other drug/alcohol related programs

And, if a teens drinking and driving results in the injury or death of another individual or the damage of property, the consequences are much more harsh and long lasting.