| "One out of 10 children ages 12 and 13 uses alcohol at | | | | behind the wheel, do not get into the vehicle. |
| least once a month. In a single year, 522 children under | | | | If you are going to an event where alcohol will be |
| age 14 were arrested for driving while intoxicated, (113 | | | | served, take public transportation like buses or taxis, if |
| of them were under 10 years old). 70 percent of all | | | | possible. |
| teenagers drink alcohol. 60 percent of all teen deaths in | | | | Regardless of your age, if you believe you may have |
| car accidents are alcohol-related. | | | | a drinking problem, consult a school counselor, health |
| According to the National Highway Traffic Safety | | | | professional, or an alcohol support group (for example, |
| Administration, over 17,000 people were killed in | | | | Alcoholics Anonymous). |
| alcohol-related traffic accidents in the United States | | | | In reaction to teenage drunk driving statistics, states |
| last year, a rate of one person every 30 minutes. | | | | have enacted harsher penalties to punish teens that |
| Even more alarmingly, almost 1/3 of the 15- to | | | | drink and drive. Most states have adopted zero |
| 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the | | | | tolerance laws which make it a crime for a teenager |
| U.S. had been drinking. | | | | to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any |
| Statistics show that approximately 70% of all | | | | amount of alcohol. In addition to harsh penalties for |
| teenagers drink alcohol, including 1 out of 10 children | | | | teenage drunk driving, it is also a crime in most states |
| between the ages of 12 and 13. | | | | for a minor to drink, possess, transport, buy or even try |
| Safeguards against Underage Drunk Driving: | | | | to buy alcohol. Parents can be penalized for furnishing |
| Parents and older siblings must be aware that they | | | | alcohol to minors, especially in cases where teenage |
| are role models to younger family members, and | | | | drunk driving was involved. |
| should be cognizant of what kind of examples they | | | | Teenage drunk drivers also face some serious legal |
| set in regard to both their driving and drinking habits. | | | | consequences that will harm them into their adult lives. |
| Restricting access to liquor and automobiles at home | | | | They face revocation of their driving privileges, stiff |
| may be an effective preventative measure in the | | | | fines, probation, alcohol education and treatment, and |
| short term, but it is even more advisable to confront | | | | community service not to mention potential jail/prison |
| your son(s) and/or daughter(s) about the serious risks | | | | time for a severe offense. |
| involved with underage drinking. | | | | If you have been involved in a teenage drunk driving |
| Whether driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle, | | | | incident, you may wish to speak to a qualified attorney |
| always wear a seatbelt! | | | | who can advise you of your legal rights and options in |
| If you see vehicles that are speeding excessively or | | | | a case. Because the laws vary by state and |
| swerving, try to get a license plate number and call | | | | circumstance, a knowledgeable attorney can best help |
| your Sheriff’s Office, the local or state police. | | | | protect your interests in a teenage drunk driving case. |
| If a person has too much to drink and insists on getting | | | | |