In seventh grade when my health class teacher started talking about drunk driving, I always thought the issue was outdated. Maybe I was too naïve to believe that people would actually be stupid enough to risk their lives (along with the passengers in their car) to drink and drive. Little did I know then that drinking and driving is a very prominent issue, even today. An astounding 40 percent of all teenage deaths of ages 15-20 occur from car crashes.
Impact on teenagers
Teenagers are the most susceptible to drunk driving for two main reasons. As a teenager myself, I’ll admit that we sometimes have these moments where we think we are invincible – nothing can hurt or kill us. Combine this with a tendency to be impulsive and take risks and teenagers are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to drinking and driving. In reality we are sorely mistaken.
The second reason why drinking and driving is such a serious issue among teenagers is because of the lack of driving experience. In most states you aren’t able to drive until you are 17, and to drive impaired can only make it more deadly. Also legally you have to be at least 21 to consume alcohol. If you are drinking underage and trying to drive, the combination of your body not being able to handle the alcohol and trying to drive is deadly.
Legally drunk
If you have had anything to drink in a night it is not OK to drive. Legally, your blood alcohol content has to be below .08. Your body type and size can affect how quickly or slowly the amount of alcohol in your blood reaches this level. Even one drink can set you over the limit and make it unsafe for you and your passengers. If you get pulled over and your blood alcohol level (BAC) is above .08, you can get your license suspended for months or even years. Also, there is a chance your car will get impounded or towed, because you will not be able to continue to drive it.
Drinking and driving consequences
In addition to losing your license and getting your car taken away, there are very serious consequences to drunk driving – this is all assuming you make it out of the situation alive. A convicted offender will receive a hefty fine, jail time, a huge spike in their insurance, attorney costs, and lost time from school. So is it really worth it to risk your life and incur all of these unnecessary fees? Absolutely not. Think before you decide to drink and drive. Need a visual? See video on Current TV.
Underage alcohol use is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined.
Preventing Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is recognized as a serious issue and governments all over the nation are taking action to prevent it from occurring. In over 20 states, new laws have been put in place where first-time offenders or those who choose not to take the breathalyzer test are subject to take a class with a panel of drunken driving victim’s families. This is effective because offenders get a first-hand emotional story of the pain and suffering caused by drunk driving.
Another program that has been put in place is called the Safe Rides program. On weekends, volunteers are contacted when there is a teen who is too impaired to drive or has been drinking. Once the volunteer gets the address of the passenger they are driving home, they will go to the party and pick them up and drive them home safely. The great thing about this program is that it is completely anonymous, so if you are embarrassed about people finding out, it is a great option to have.
What you can do
1. Whenever you are going out to a party, always have someone be a designated driver. This way no matter what happens at the party, you will always have a responsible friend looking out for you.
2. Make a contract with your parents. If you go out and something bad happens you call them for a safe ride home with the promise that the parents will pick you up and not ask questions until later.
3. If you have seen one of your friends drinking, do NOT let them drive home under any circumstances. If it is at your house, have them sleep over. If it is somewhere else find them a safer ride home.
4. Under no circumstances should you ever get in a car with someone who has been drinking. Avoid putting yourself in a very dangerous situation and find an alternative way home. Even if it’s mom and dad, they would much rather pick you up than have you risk your life.
This article has been reviewed by BodiMojo health expert Tara Cousineau, PhD.
