Issues
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Teen Drinking and Driving As the end of the school year approaches, many teens will participate in one of the most important rituals of high school life, the Prom. For many, this may involve drinking either before or after the prom, and driving. Alcohol is associated with the leading cause of death among teens - automobile crashes. Although nearly one-third of all teen driving fatalities and injuries involve the use of alcohol, these rates shoot up around Prom and graduation weekend. According to statistics on the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Web Site, during weekends in May between half and two-thirds of automobile fatalities involves the use of alcohol. Other contributors to teen driving death and injuries are:
- driving smaller cars that are less safe in crashes;
- excessive speed;
- the likelihood that a teen will not be wearing a seatbelt;
- driving accompanied by other teens;
- night time driving because it is more challenging to the novice driver.
Because of brain development, many neuroscientists believe the Don't Drink and Drive message may be ineffective unless coupled with a visual display that is meaningful to teens - such as a smashed up car placed on the lawn of the school around prom time.
Inquiries? Please contact Dr. Jami Jones