Do you have teenagers under your roof? Have you talked to them about drinking? If not, now is the time. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, better known as MADD, are encouraging parents to educate themselves and their kids about the dangers of teenage drinking, especially with events like prom and summer coming up quick.
Recently we’ve expressed the dangers of drunk driving quite a bit, and even brought to you the stories of two separate DUI incidents involving drivers that were minors. Several were injured and one was killed as result of the accidents, and the drivers will face lifelong consequences because of their decisions to drink and drive. Car crashes account for over 30% of underage drinking-related deaths. Other causes include homicide and suicide.
Alcohol has a more profound affect on a teenager than it does an adult. It can actually affect brain development, and not in a positive way at all. The drinking age is what it is for a reason. While you can’t follow your child around and make sure that they’re not drinking (well, you can, but we don’t recommend it), you can make sure that they know the dangers of drinking and driving. For more information about how to talk to your kids about alcohol, visit www.madd.org.