Substance abuse is one of the biggest causes of accidents for teens that drive. CDC statistics state that 1.8% of California drivers admit driving after drinking. As a parent or caregiver of a teen, you want to know how to prevent them from driving drunk or driving after taking drugs. There are several ways to begin early to deal with the issue. Talk with them about the consequences of driving under the influence. You can discuss a driver ed class with them, set rules about driving with consequences, get to know their friends, and discuss transportation in an emergency. Teaching your teens driving safety is essential to their health
Explain The Consequences of Driving Under the Influence
Learn the laws of driving under the influence. Talk about this before your teen learns to drive. Explain the consequence of getting caught driving after drinking or smoking marijuana. It can lead to severe injury, death, jail, or a criminal record. When other kids are in the car your teen can be responsible for what happens to them. Show them a video on the consequences of teen driving when drunk. You can get it from the library or find one online.. Show the video and invite other teens to see it with your kids. YouTube has videos on teen drinking and driving you can view with your teens too. Invite other parents to come to discuss the topic with their kids. Collect articles for your teens to read on the consequences of driving with alcohol or drugs.
Be A Good Role Model to Your Teens
Never let your teens see you drink and drive or combine drugs and alcohol. Drink in moderation at home and when you have to drive skip the alcohol. Never condone underage drinking or serve alcohol to minors. If you have a party for adults with alcohol and someone drinks too much have someone drive them home or call them a cab. This shows your teens that you care about your family and friends and don’t want to see them drink and drive. Set curfews for your teen activities know where they are going, and when they arrive home. Do not have alcohol available in the house that is easy to access.
Talk About A Driving Education Course
Talk to your teen about taking a driver ed course at school or a local driving school. Talk to the teachers at your local high school about starting a driving course there. Driving courses are a good way to teach teens about driving safety and the rules. Some courses have simulated driving instruction included that shows virtually the consequence of drinking and driving. The teen sits in a vehicle and puts on a set of headphones and experiences what someone feels like that drinks and drives. Some driving courses have this as a component of the lessons and give students tickets to show the consequence of drinking and driving.
Check with your local government about driving and the requirements for a license when driving. Some areas have a stricter program and require that teens first get a provisional license and can only drive with adults and must complete 50 hours of driving lessons. After, they apply for a provisional license at 16 to 18 years. After completing these requirements, they can get their regular license. This is called a Graduated Drivers program and is a good way for teens to learn to drive. Check with other parents and your school to find the best program for them to attend to learn to drive.
Give Them Some Ways To Cope With Emergencies
When they drive to parties or events with friends tell them to call you for a ride in an emergency. Give them money for a cab or bus and tell them never to drive home drunk. When they encounter a problem, let them know there are other ways to handle it. Discuss with them, how to keep a friend that is drunk from driving and alternative ways to handle it. Talk with other parents about letting kids stay overnight in emergency situations or have an adult driving them home. The global dashboard camera market has grown 15.3% between 2014-2020 and was valued at $1,458.2 million in 2013. With the increase in driving it is essential to teach teens driving safety for their well-being and health.
Overall these are some ways to teach teens about the consequences of drinking and driving. Another idea is to have them join a teen group that teaches safe driving. There are many groups around the country that care about teen safety and health. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce about one near you.
