Teenagers can sometimes be notorious risk-takers, and consuming alcohol reflects one way younger persons throw away cautions. Underage drinking is not legal, but many teenagers do so anyway. Worse, some teens might become intoxicated and get behind the wheel of a car, leading to fatal crashes on Louisiana roads. Considering the dangers to the teens and other drivers and pedestrians, taking action to reduce teenage drunk driving seems advisable.
Reducing teenage drinking and driving
Research indicates it is possible to cut down on teenage drinking and driving instances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that teenage drunk driving incidents have decreased by 54% since 1991. However, 2.4 million teenagers continue to drink and drive annually.
When governments, schools, and communities invest time and resources into drunk driving prevention, there could be a marked decrease in such behaviors. Teens might not understand how intoxicated driving affects performance behind the wheel, and they could assume that “one or two drinks” won’t lead to impaired driving.
Sadly, teens who drink often imbibe to excess. “Drinking to get drunk” comes with potential consequences, including making decisions based on poor judgment.
The consequences of teenage drinking and driving
Physicians and teachers who notice the signs of alcohol use and abuse by teens may need to speak to a young person’s parents. Parents might have to take immediate action to address the situation, or else the teen may jeopardize his or her life.
A young person may need juvenile criminal defense assistance after choosing to drink and drive. If convicted, drunk driving and underage drinking charges may lead to a permanent criminal record.
An accident may make a wrongful death lawsuit unavoidable. The parents could face a lawsuit as well, depending on the circumstances. If the teen causes someone’s death, manslaughter charges could result, and so might a prison sentence.
