How to Teach Your Teens the Dangers of Driving Under the Influence

Raising a teenager is not easy for any parent because, while you may have the best thoughts for them, they may have their own idea of what they feel should be the “best thoughts.”

Most of the time, their idea of doing things can be risky and pose a huge threat to their future. One of these many threats is driving under the influence. According to the United States Department of Transportation, car crashes are a leading cause of death among teenagers, and shockingly, about a quarter of these crashes all involve a drunk teen.

If you think that’s all there is to it, it’s not. The NHTSA reports that in 2021 alone, over 27% of all car-related crashes that involved the death of a driving teenager (mostly aged 15–20 years) were all due to driving under the influence.

Now, I understand that you love your child and want the best for them. But to do this, you have to train them to prevent driving under the influence so they don’t get in trouble, and this blog will help you do that.

First, Understand the Dangers Yourself

Before you can effectively train your child on the risks of driving under the influence, you need to understand these risks yourself.

Let’s start with the personal safety risks. DUI driving, be it alcohol or drugs, severely impairs a person’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. This can lead to deadly consequences, like:

• Losing control of the vehicle and crashing
• Hitting pedestrians or other vehicles
• Misjudging distances or speeds
• Falling asleep at the wheel

These are not just minor physical risks but deadly in every sense. You already drive and have pretty good experience with how dangerous it can be to drive under the influence of any substance. So, please help your child see these dangers in the best way they can understand it.

And let’s not forget the legal risks, too. Depending on where you live, DUI driving can result in hefty fines, license suspension, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, say DUI lawyers Cohen and Winters, a renowned group of lawyers based in southern New Hampshire.

So, it would be best to equip yourself with both the legal and physical risks involved in driving under the influence so you can effectively show your child how making this mistake can haunt their future employment and educational opportunities.

Broach the Topic with Your Kids

After understanding the gravity of the situation, the next step is to plan how to approach the topic with your child. Running off to threaten them about the dangers of DUI driving will cause more harm than good.

I suggest starting early, before they even get their learner’s permit. Bring it up casually during car rides or family discussions, and make it an enjoyable recurring conversation.

As your child’s parent, you’re their primary teacher, and like every “good’ teacher in the world, you have to devise a strategy to pass on your information in a way that is not boring, condescending, or threatening. Here are some possible ways you can do this:

Go Straight to the Point

When you do have “the talk,” be clear and direct, regardless of the setting, be it at home or while on a family ride. Don’t beat around the bush or sugarcoat the consequences.

Use real-life examples and statistics to help them understand what you’re trying to say. For instance, you could say something like, “Did you know that in our state, over 300 people died last year because of drunk driving accidents? That’s almost one person every single day.”

Then, maintain some decorum while waiting for their response. Your goal is to turn the lecture into a conversation and have them join in and share their thoughts and opinions.

Describe the Dangers

Take the time to explain the dangers in detail without being too graphic or traumatizing. Discuss how alcohol and drugs impair their senses, judgment, and reaction times, making it nearly impossible to drive safely. Describe the potential for causing serious injury or death to themselves or others.

Maintain Consistency

Consistency is vital in reinforcing this message. So, bring it up regularly with your teens, even when it seems redundant. Teenagers need to hear things multiple times before they really sink in, so don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.

Be Serious About It

Make it clear that you take this issue extremely seriously. Explain that driving under the influence is never acceptable, no matter the circumstances. They may not take it seriously if they sense an atom of un-seriousness from you when discussing it. So, let them know it’s a serious matter.

Chat About It Frequently

As mentioned earlier, this shouldn’t be a one-and-done conversation. Make it an ongoing dialogue with your teen. Bring it up whenever you see a relevant news story or public service announcement. Ask your teen what they think about it and allow them to share their thoughts and feelings.

Lead by Example

Actions speak louder than words, so make sure you’re setting a good example for your kids. Try as much as possible to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and call out your friends or family members who do. Your teens are watching and learning from your behavior.

Create Punishments

Establish clear consequences if your teen drives under the influence, and make sure they understand them. This could include losing driving privileges, paying fines or legal fees, or even being grounded for an extended period.

Have a Reward System

Although focusing on the negative consequences is essential, also remember to encourage and reinforce their good behavior. Praise your teen when they make responsible decisions, like choosing not to drive after drinking or using designated drivers.

Wrapping Up

While these tips will help you enlighten your child on the dangers of driving under the influence, you must work to ensure they get the message. So, take this matter seriously and start training your child now. Good luck!

Image Source: FreePik