According to the latest reports, the number of drunk driving incidents among teenagers has dropped by close to 55 percent since 1991.
My FOX Boston reports officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are saying that while the decrease is something to be proud of, there is still much more that needs to be done to help to put an end to the risky driving behavior displayed by our newly-licensed drivers.
Although the numbers have dropped, drunk driving among teenagers is probably a little more common than they might ever have imagined. According to reports, high school students are estimated to drink and drive close to 2.5 million times each and every month. Of the students polled who admitted to drinking and driving at least once over the last 30 days, close to 90 percent of them report that they binge drank.
Our Quincy drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that teenagers are about three times more likely to get into a deadly car accident than any other age group of drivers. According to the CDC, about 20 percent of teen drivers who were involved in a deadly car accident in 2010 reported alcohol in their system. Among young residents who were surveyed for alcohol consumption, in people over the age of 12, guys were more likely than the gals to drive under the influence.
All too often, parents are naive and think just because they’re young driver isn’t legally allowed to purchase or to consume alcohol that they’re not going to do it. The truth of the matter is that booze is a popular commodity with high school kids nationwide. Be sure to talk with your kid about the dangers that are associated with consuming alcohol, not only the dangers for car accidents, but the risks that are associated with their health and with potentially going to jail. These are all potential life-changing risks, too!
The truth of the matter is than teens don’t just drink, because when they do — they drink a lot!
Who Reported Binge Drinking?
-More than 5 percent of 8th graders.
-More than 15 percent of high school sophomores.
-Close to 25 percent of high school seniors.
The U.S. Surgeon General reports that roughly 5,000 children who are under the age of 21 die every year because of underage drinking. Most of these fatalities are the result of car accidents, homicides and even suicides. Teens who drink are at some serious risks for other injuries, like lifelong alcohol usage and abuse. It’s important that parents and guardians start now in reducing these risks for our teens.
Talk with your teen about the risks, the dangers and the consequences that are associated with drinking and driving. Enact your own household driving rules to make sure that there are strict consequences for anyone who is busted drinking, let alone driving! Stay active in your child’s whereabouts. Know who they’re with, where they’re going, what they’ll be doing and when they’re planning on returning.
If you or your young driver has been involved in a drunk driving car accident, call the Law Office of Jeffrey S. Glassman, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. Call (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Driver Faces 5th Drunk Driving Charge after Fatal Berkshire Accident, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, October 15, 2012
Victim’s Family Lines Street, Warning of Drunk Driving Risks, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, October 13, 2012