Why is Teenage Drunk Driving a Problem?
Teenage drunk driving is a problem because it adds to the overall number of alcohol related deaths on our roads. It can be a combination of several factors, including the legal drinking age, peer pressure and inexperience with alcohol.
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Many teens drink alcohol for the first time at an early age. This may be due to a parental or other influence in their lives. It may also be because they have seen a friend or parent drive under the influence. In any case, consuming alcohol at a young age can lead to a lifetime of bad decisions.
The first thing that parents should do to help prevent their children from getting into trouble with alcohol is to limit their access to the substance. This means that they should lock up their liquor supplies at home and make sure that other family members, such as older siblings, do not supply them with alcohol.
They should also educate their children on the dangers of underage drinking and driving and the consequences of committing an intoxicated driving offense. For instance, underage DUIs can be a serious infraction that can affect their future career and educational opportunities, as well as their financial health.
Another important consideration is the underlying mental health of your child. Often, teen drinking and driving is an indicator of other mental health issues such as depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can lead to poor impulse control, impulsivity and a poor ability to regulate emotions.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from an emotional or mental illness, make sure they receive a comprehensive screening with a qualified professional. This can provide your teen with a diagnosis and determine their path forward in addressing their issues.
It’s also a good idea to encourage your child to seek professional counseling in order to address any underlying issues. It can be a safe and non-judgmental space in which they can talk about their feelings and their experiences with the incident that led to them committing a drunk driving offense.
As a result, your child will be better equipped to deal with any challenges they may face. It can also give you a chance to rebuild trust with them, which will help your teen feel safer in their own skin.
The second thing that you can do to reduce the risk of your teen getting into an accident is to ensure they are not riding with a drunk driver. This can include using alternative rides like taxis and ride share companies to get home after a night out.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to always call for help when they are in an unsafe situation. If they are not able to call you, it’s a good idea for them to text or message you for a ride home instead.
Having a drink or two is fine, but if your teen has been drinking for a while they should not be allowed to drive. This will not only protect them from being charged with a DUI but it will ensure their safety as they grow into an adult.