Drinking & Driving: Fatal Risks and How To Help Stop Them

With school having recently started back up and the fall semester in full swing, it’s not unlikely that college students and perhaps even high school students will attend a party or two. It’s important for students to remember that life is made up of a collection of choices. Each individual has the complete freedom to make whatever choice he or she wants. When it comes to drinking and driving, though, there’s only one decision that should be made.

Are You Really Okay?

Imagine having a drink or two and driving. You think you’re “okay” to drive, but a pedestrian suddenly runs into the middle of the road out of nowhere. What if you hit this person? While you might not feel that it’s your fault, someone is still seriously injured and you had alcohol in your system. Now what happens if this scenario ends in a fatality?

So whether you’ve had one beer or six, do not make the choice to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Fatal Risks

The leading cause of death for teens is car crashes. Approximately ¼ of those crashes involve an underage drinking driver. The problem is diminishing slowly, but it’s still something to be really aware of. Since 1991, the percentage of high school students who drink and drive has decreased by more than half.

Ultimately, the best way to help stop this issue from being present is the involvement of the parents. Have open and honest discussions about the consequences of drinking and driving with your teen. While underage teens should not legally be drinking in the first place, it can help if your teen feels comfortable turning to you if they get stuck in a bad place.

Support the idea of keeping the laws firm and enforced. People need to be held accountable for their actions, including those who sold or provided the teens with alcohol. Make sure educators are doing all they can to bring these issues to the forefront.

Ultimate Solutions

There should be zero tolerance for anyone underage drinking alcohol and driving. Many teens just haven’t quite grasped what real painful consequences can look like.

According to auto accident attorneys at Jimeno & Gray, when someone is driving while impaired, it can be considered negligence. If you’re 100% at fault for an accident, the price you pay will be incredibly heavy.

What if the price is more than monetary, though? What if someone you love or an innocent stranger in another car loses his or her life because of your negligence? You’ll be held accountable legally and will most likely carry a hefty amount of guilt around as well. Remember that this is your life and these are your choices to make. Make smart decisions that are so simple yet could still save a life.