| Teen drunk driving has been a growing concern for | | | | - Have open conversations with your teenager on a |
| many people - especially for parents. As much as | | | | regular basis. Talking to your teen about drunk driving |
| we'd like to believe that our children are innocent and | | | | isn't something that shouldn't be avoided because it's a |
| will stay kids forever, the truth is, many young people | | | | serious and tough issue to discuss or that you think |
| are involved in illegal activities such as drinking alcohol. | | | | they won't listen to you. Talk to to your teen as early |
| Although teen drivers represent a small fraction of the | | | | as possible and create an inviting and open channel of |
| total driving population in the United States, teenagers | | | | communication so they feel comfortable talking to you |
| do cause many of the accidents on the roadways. | | | | about this issue. The more you talk to them about |
| Consider some of these statistics: | | | | drinking and driving, the more likely that it'll stick with |
| - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | | | | them. They'll know how much it means to you that |
| says that 23% of teenage drivers in fatal car | | | | they stay sober when they drive. |
| accidents had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit | | | | - Teens learn from their parents and the role models in |
| of .08. | | | | their life, so if you set a good example and don't drink |
| - A report released by the NHTSA revealed that 50% | | | | and drive, they'll be more conscious about doing the |
| of high school students polled have admitted to drunk | | | | same. |
| driving | | | | Teen drunk driving could be reduced or avoided |
| - SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions | | | | altogether if parents were made more aware of this |
| formerly Students Against Drunk Driving) says that | | | | issue and showed concern for their teens. Most of the |
| approximately three-fourths of high school students | | | | time parents have this dominant, "Do what I say |
| drink alcohol illegally even though they know the | | | | because I said so!" attitude that makes teens just want |
| possible consequences of drunk driving | | | | to rebel even more. Show them the same level of |
| So, what can we do to reduce the incidences of teen | | | | respect that you expect from them and they'll be |
| drunk driving? Here are a few tips... | | | | more inclined to listen to what you have to say. |