Whether you are a teen who is concerned about riding in a vehicle with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or are a parent who is worried about your child, it is essential to take a look at different ways that underage drunk driving accidents can be avoided. In New Orleans, and communities all over Louisiana, underage DUI is a serious problem for some young drivers and others on the road. From lost lives and permanent injuries to license suspension, drunk driving can upend life in many ways.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 years old with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 face a 17-fold increased risk of dying in a DUI accident, compared to those with no alcohol in their system. As a result, parents and young drivers should take preventative measures. For teenagers, it is crucial to stay off the road if they have consumed alcohol. However, it is also important for them to avoid getting in a car with another driver who has been drinking underage. At times, this may be difficult for teens due to a number of reasons, such as peer pressure.
There are also steps that parents can take to prevent their child from being involved in an underage drunk driving wreck. Parents should set good examples and understand the heightened risks associated with underage drunk driving. Furthermore, if their child’s driver has consumed alcohol, parents should ensure that their children can find another means of transportation, such as a taxi or offering to give the teen a ride.