Take Action to Combat Teen Drinking and Driving

With high school graduation just around the corner, the topic of teen drinking and driving can’t be far from the forefront. Here’s why: Nearly a million high school teenagers consumed alcohol and drove in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Keep in mind that teen drivers already are three times more likely than experienced drivers to be involved in a fatal crash. Now consider what adding alcohol could do to that equation.

The only good news is that the percentage of high schoolers who drink and drive has dropped by more than half since 1991. Following are some tips on how parents can address the problem of drinking and driving with their teens:

Don’t leave any room for doubt

Set clear rules for your teen: If you drink any amount, don’t drive. In addition, don’t get in a car with anyone who has been drinking. Some parents go so far as to have their teenage drivers sign contracts to never drink and drive.

Let the teen know you’ll be checking up on him or her. A quick hug will allow you to smell for alcohol and check for red eyes.

Talk honestly with your child

Make sure the teen understands the consequences of drinking and driving – he or she is not only risking his or her own well-being but also that of others on the road. Aside from injury, there are severe legal consequences, which can cause the teen problems for years to come.

You should also speak with any older children in the house and remind them of the consequences of supplying minors with alcohol.

Set a good example

Whether they admit it or not, most teens are influenced by the actions of their parents. If you drink – even a little – and drive, your child will notice. And remember.

You also should lock up your alcohol supply. Most teens say the easiest place to get liquor is from their home.

Encourage asking for help

Even the most well-intentioned of teens can fall victim to peer pressure. Set a policy wherein your child can call and ask for help if this happens without fear of punishment. That’s a much better option than the child risking everything by trying to hide what he or she has done by driving home and sneaking in.

The party plan

Graduation means party time for many teens. Be proactive by hosting the party or teaming up with other parents to do so. If you do, set strict limits on the number of teens who attend, what they can bring into the house – no backpacks or water bottles, for example, because they can be used to sneak alcohol in – and how they can enter and leave, which gives a chaperone the opportunity to check them out coming or going.

Nothing is foolproof, of course. But by helping the teen understand the consequences of his or her actions, setting a good example and being as vigilant as possible, you’ll have a better chance of getting through to your child. It’s worth the effort.

Source: AutoInsurance