Today’s post comes to us from fellow ignition interlock provider, LifeSafer.
It’s scary enough handing over the car keys to your teen. Throw the dangers of drinking and driving into the mix and you have a pretty worried set of parents. We’re certain part of your fears include wondering if your child listened to what you’ve taught them about the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
A study recently published by the Journal of Pediatrics examined teenagers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and how much prior exposure he/she had riding with someone who was impaired. The findings showed a strong likelihood that if a teen was exposed to others driving while intoxicated, they were much more likely to drive while intoxicated themselves.
Just like how teens are much more likely to text while driving because they feel confident in their ability to carry on the task without being distracted, teens who experience what it’s like to drive with someone who is intoxicated may feel as though it’s okay to drink and drive themselves because nothing bad happened. That time.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, motor vehicle crashes are the most likely cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 to 25 and alcohol is a factor in 50% of them.
These statistics confirm the importance to have open communication with your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving. Ask your teen if they’ve been in the car with someone who’s driven while intoxicated. If they have, be sure to remind them that just because they didn’t experience a crash that one time doesn’t mean the act is safe.