Driving Above the Influence Parenting Tips to Prevent Teen Drunk & Drugged Driving
Objectives To understand the unique factors that make a teen vulnerable on the road. To learn statistics regarding risk of crash while driving under the influence. To evaluate which parenting style is most effective in reducing teen drinking/drugging. To determine rules and guidelines to help teens manage their new freedoms.
Teen Driving Accident Risk Because teens are the least experienced drivers as a group, they have a higher risk of being involved in an accident. When this lack of experience is combined with the use of alcohol, marijuana or other substances which alter perception, cognition, reaction time, and other faculties the results can be tragic.
10 Deadly Teen Driver Mistakes Risk taking Un-buckled Speed Rowdy riders Cell phone ipod, radio, CD Late night cruising DUI Peer pressure Over-confidence (1)
Annually, about 5,000 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries 1,900 (38%) of the 5,000 deaths involve motor vehicle crashes 1,600 (32%) result from homicides 300 (6%) result from suicides
Sobering Stats More than 6% of 16 or 17 year olds and nearly 17% of 18 to 20 year-olds reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year (2). 30 % of seniors reported driving after drinking heavily or using drugs, or riding in a car with a driver who had been drinking heavily or using drugs, at least once in the past two weeks (2).
Sobering Stats Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens; about 1/3 are alcohol-related. About 45% of people who die in crashes involving a drinking driver under the age of 21 are people other than the driver. One in three drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2009 and were tested, tested positive for drugs.
Drugged Driving Drugs can impair drivers ability to operate a motor vehicle just as substantially as alcohol and can prove just as deadly. This is true of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, as well as psycho-active prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Drinking and Driving Penalties Being charged with purchasing, having, or drinking alcohol underage; being charged with driving while under the influence. Fines Car insurance rates could go up (unaffordable insurance may then prevent keeping a car) Reduced college options, due to admission policies Alcohol citation may stay on legal record License could be revoked Jail time
Who Knows? In DC, those under 21 can be charged with DUI if their BAC is at or above what percentage? 0%
Careers That May Be Affected by DUI include: Accountant Agent: ATF, DEA, FBI, Secret Service Architect Chiropractor Dentist Engineer Funeral Director Insurance Adjuster Law Enforcement Lawyer/Attorney Medical Doctor Nurse Nursing Home Administrator; health Services Manager Occupational & Physical Therapy Pharmacist Psychologist Real Estate Broker Social Worker Speech/Language Therapist Teacher Veterinarian Note: This list is not comprehensive
Parenting Style Parenting style can impact a kid s substance use. What s your parenting style? 1. Rules and discipline I lay down the law! 2. I don t interfere. A teen is old enough to do what feels right to him or her. 3. We discuss issues respectfully and I encourage my teen to make good choices; I also set rules and enforce consequences.
Authoritarian Authoritarian parents tend to use parental power to control their children. Teens must do what they are told or else face serious consequences. Parents are unconcerned if teens understand the reasons behind rules. Parents don t tolerate teens asking for explanations. Parents use threats and punishment to keep teens in line.
The Pitfalls of an Authoritarian Style Vicious cycle of rebellion- Parents imposes very strict rules; teen defies them; parents punish the teen; teen becomes more rebellious. These teens have difficulty behaving properly without external control. Children of authoritarian parents are less likely to develop internalized values that equip them to make wise decisions. Research shows: Compared with all teens who drink illegally, teens of authoritarian style parents tend to consume the most dangerously high levels of alcohol.
Overprotective Style Overprotective parents shield their children from the harsh realities of life. Instead of using rules and threats, they present themselves as allies. They see the world as a threat and express this fearfulness to their children. May rescue their children from dealing with any harsh reality.
The Pitfalls of an Overprotective Style Overprotected children lack experience and may panic in stressful situations. Rescuing from consequences may enable bad behavior.
Permissive Style Permissive parents take a hands-off approach. They: Do not set expectations. Instead, they feel teens should be independent. Permit their teen to explore the world without interfering. Feel kids should be free to make mistakes and learn from them accordingly.
The Pitfalls of a Permissive Style These parents may deprive their children of wise guidance in developing effective problem-solving skills. These teens may feel neglected and believe that their parents have little interest in what they do or the activities they are involved in. This can lead to resentment. Teens of permissive style parents tend to have significantly higher than average blood alcohol levels compared to other underage drinkers.
Positive Parenting Style Positive parents focus on empowering their children to grow and learn. They: Take an active role in teaching teens responsibility. Set clear expectations about teen behavior, such as waiting until age 21 before drinking alcohol. Explain reasons behind their expectations and encourage teens to talk about any concerns. Set and enforce consequences before agreements are not met.
The Benefits of a Positive Parenting Style Positive parents know that their own age, knowledge, experience, and material resources give them power. These parents respect a teen s drive for independence, yet maintain legitimate limits. Their philosophy is to build trust and teach skills that empower the teen to take increasing control of his or her life.
The Benefits of a Positive Parenting Style Instead of threatening severe punishment for bad behavior, positive parents discuss, set, and enforce clear consequences for breaking rules. They encourage teens to talk about problems and build problem-solving skills. Research shows that teens of positive style parents abstain more, and that when they do drink, they tend to consume significantly less alcohol than teens of other parenting styles.
Setting Rules and Limits Teens whose parents enforce penalties for driving law infractions are more likely than teens whose parents do not enforce penalties: to wear their safety belts (89% vs. 74%); require their passengers to buckle up (82% vs. 64%); obey stop signs (91% vs. 60%); and use turn signals (89% vs. 76%). (2)
Does offering a ride home send a wrong message? Assure your teen that safety is the first priority. When teens have good communication with their parents and trust that their parents won t overreact (by getting angry and setting harsh or unknown punishments), teens are more likely to call home for help.
Social Hosting As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen s friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent s permission. You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
If you Break the Law: Penalties for violation include up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine for each underage person. Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21, and they, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves, or damage property. Law enforcement can seize any alcohol, money, or property used in committing the offense.
Safe Driving Contracts
Tips for Preventing Teen Crashes Remember you are a role model. Supervise as much practice driving as possible for at least six months. Start out slow. Require that your teen wear a seat belt at all times. Be clear- no cell phones while driving.
Tips for Preventing Teen Crashes Limit nighttime driving. Limit the number of passengers allowed in the car when your teen is driving. Discuss realistic consequences of drug and alcohol use. Choose safe vehicles for your teen. (3)
References 1. Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education. 10 Deadly Teen Drive Mistakes. <http://teendriving.aaa.com/de/system/files/18/file/10deadlyteendrivermista kestipcard.pdf > 2. White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Teen Drugged Driving: Parent, Coalition and Community Group Activity Guide. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/issuescontent/drugged_driving_toolkit.pdf> 3. Parents. The Anti-Drug. Tips for Preventing Teen Crashes.