As parents, we must talk with our children about drug rehab and alcohol, starting at an early age. We also have to teach them not to ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking or is otherwise impaired as it can land them in some serious trouble. Check this article for more details. www.duila.com/reckless-driving. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, last year 70 young people aged 12-20 were killed in Texas in traffic crashes involving underage drivers under the influence of alcohol. One could hire an atorney from places like https://personalinjuryattorney-fresno.com/ and sort out the matter but that wouldn’t bring back the lost lives.
Clearly, we need to do more to protect our children.
It can seem baffling that your child is caught up in underage drinking when there is no opportunity for kids to buy alcohol without ID. Whereas ID’s twenty years ago were bad quality and were most likely called out by bouncers, bartenders and shop owners, teenagers are now flocking to the Best Fake ID Website where IDs are almost impossible to identify as fake. Parents need to be more educated on this subject to understand how their children are purchasing alcohol so easily.
Parents-not peers-are the number one influence on their teen’s decisions about alcohol, including their decisions around riding with a drinking driver. We need to let our children know it’s never okay to get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, no matter who the driver is or what the circumstances are.
Teen alcohol use kills about 4,700 people each year. That’s more than all illegal drugs combined. Research shows that about a quarter of eighth graders have tried alcohol, and more than 40 percent of all tenth graders drink alcohol. It also indicates that children who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash. Adolescent drinkers perform worse in school, are more likely to fall behind and have an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence.
That’s why MADD developed its Power of Parents® program with national presenting sponsor Nationwide-to help parents talk confidently with their children about the dangers of underage drinking and never riding with a drinking driver. Parents can download free handbooks for parents of high school and middle school students, and sign up for free online workshops at madd.org/powertalktx.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and MADD will be conducting activities and workshops across Texas to urge parents to begin ongoing, potentially lifesaving conversations with their children about alcohol. As we approach prom and graduation season, talk with your kids about not drinking until they’re 21. Remind them never to get in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. Nights like prom or graduation should end in celebration, not tragedy.
It’s never too soon to talk with your children about alcohol. Talk early. Talk often.
Sincerely,
Jeff Weinstein, Weinstein Law Firm
MADD East Texas Regional Advisory Council