Rite Of Passage: Preventing Underage Drinking And Driving - A Guide For Parents

Alcohol use by teen drivers is an especially deadly mix. More than a third of all motor vehicle-related teen deaths involve alcohol.

Everyone in California pays when teens drink and drive. The consequences can be devastating: wasted lives, loss of loved, permanent disabling injuries, broken relationships, overwhelming medical bills and other expenses.

California faces a challenge in preventing underage drinking and driving. According to the 1997-98 California Student Survey (CSS), the California Department of Justice reports a troubling increase in teen binge drinking and driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Adding to the challenge is an anticipated surge in teen population in the next decade.

Almost 40 percent of 11th graders have driven after drinking, according to the 1997-98 CSS. Each year, more than 1,900 underage drinking drivers are involved in collisions, causing injuries or deaths in California. These drivers under the age of 21 are only 5.4% of the state's drivers, but are responsible for 13% of the alcohol-related crashes. (Automobile Club of Southern CA, 1999 report.)

Even when a collision does not occur, there are still economic consequences. A first-time misdemeanor conviction for driving under the influence can cost the driver approximately $11,000 in fines, legal fees, increased insurance costs and other related expenses over the three years following arrest. (Automobile Club of Southern CA, 1998 report.)

The California Office of Traffic Safety predicts that because of an estimated 33 percent surge in the teen population, many more teens will be on the roads in our state this next decade. Yet, teen drivers don't have to be a menace on the road-research consistently finds that parents are extremely influential in the decisions that children and teenagers make. Your attitudes, values and behavior are critically important in the lives of your children.

Teen drivers are also more likely to be at fault in a collision. In California, 16-year-olds are at fault 66 percent of the time. This high risk status results from a mix of inexperience and immaturity.

Suggestions For How Parents Can Positively Influence Their Children

If your child is a pre-teen:

• Set a good example.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.
• Never drink to excess or take illegal drugs.
• Spend quality time with your child.
• Involve your child in family decisions.
• Talk with your child about the negative influence of alcohol and other drugs.

If your child is a teenager:

• Let your teenager know that he or she has your love and support.
• Make an agreement or contract with your teenager that neither of you will drive or ride with another driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Make sure your children understand that the California Zero Tolerance Law does not allow any detectable levels of alcohol in their system while operating a vehicle.
• Continue to talk with your teenager about alcohol and other drugs.
• Set consistent and appropriate boundaries and consequences.
• Know your teenager's friends.
• Know how your teenager will get to and from events and parties.
• Discuss overnight arrangements with your teen and the host's parents.
• Never allow alcohol or drugs at gatherings hosted by your teenager.
• Encourage your teen to volunteer with organizations such as Friday Night Live, Teenwork or Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
• Encourage your children to be involved in the arts, sports, music or other constructive activities.
• Be a positive example.
• Remind your teenager that the legal drinking age is 21 in all 50 states.