There is a problem with drinking and driving regardless of age. Teens are no exception. Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found a fifty percent decrease in the percentage of teens in high school that drink and drive since 1991. It is still a problem, however, and they have offered four prevention tips that have proven themselves to be effective. Learning these tips may help save the next teen from a Virginia drunk driving accident.
Any information that can help prevent someone from a serious injury or accident is always helpful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided four different prevention techniques and tips. These tips include:
- Enforcing a minimum legal drinking age—According to research, the enforcement of minimum drinking age laws in every state has had a great impact on teens getting access to alcohol. There are alcohol retailer compliance checks that sporadically happen and help reduce the sale of alcohol to those under the age of 21.
- Teaching a Zero Tolerance Policy—It is illegal in all states in the United States to drive under the influence of alcohol. Teaching teens that one indiscretion is serious and has grave consequences has proven to reduce the drinking and driving crashes.
- A new gradual driver’s license program—A new program was enforced a few years back that forced teen to go through stages to get a driver’s license. Each stage allowed a new set of privileges like driving at night and driving with other minors in the car. Teens are able to gain more experience over a longer period of time and therefore learns the importance of safe driving. Each state has a version of the gradual license program but the laws in each state vary slightly. Research has shown this change in the program has helped prevent crashes and saved lives.
- Parental involvement—This is something research has found to help in many areas, including drinking and driving. When parents have a focus on monitoring and restricting the rights of their teen drivers, it helps them stay safe while learning. Experts have found when there is an agreement between parents and teens regarding the “rules of the road” and their ability to drive and have freedom, teens take it more seriously. This concern helps lower rates of risky driving, and accidents.
It’s crucial that everyone help prevent drinking and driving. If you are a parent whose teen has been involved in a drunk driving accident and you need help, we are here for you. The attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas are knowledgeable and ready to help. Call for your free consultation today.
