Image via Wikipedia
Did you know that 40% of alcohol-related fatal traffic accidents involve teens? Or that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in 15 to 20 year olds? There’s nothing more relaxing then a pint with your friends or a few shots at a party, but once you’ve had that first sip, make sure you’ve got another way home. Whether you walk home, get a taxi or call a family member, leave your car behind – or you might find yourself waking up in hospital.
The statistics paint a picture that’s scarier than any horror film. Every 22 minutes, there is a car crash somewhere in the US. At any given point, one in every ten drivers on the road has been drinking. Last year, 522 children under 14 years old were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, and 113 of them were under 10 years old.
So what’s wrong? There are a few theories. The first states that when you get behind the wheel as a relatively new driver, you are more likely to be involved in an accident. Add that invincible feeling that alcohol gives you, and you are likely to drive too fast, or miscalculate the distance of that car… It isn’t just being drunk that increases your chances. A male with a Blood Alcohol level of 0.5, much lower than the legal limit, is 18 times more likely to crash than a sober male. A female is a staggering 54 times more likely to crash.
Reducing the risk isn’t difficult, although it does take some planning. When you go out, leave your car behind. Not only will this stop you being tempted to drive home, but it’ll also make sure it doesn’t get damaged by other drunk drivers. Order a taxi to take you home in advance, telling them when you will be finished, or read up on how to identify a real taxi and call one at the end of the night. Most journeys won’t be expensive – at least not compared to medical bills and your insurance hike if you crash!
If the statistics above aren’t enough to make you think twice about getting behind the wheel, consider what will happen when you are caught. You’ll need to find an attorney, such as a Dallas DWI Defense Attorney, who will present your case in court. You’ll be punished, and you are likely to spend some time with the police undergoing breath testing. That won’t be all, either. Over 20 states are currently involved in a scheme that forces drink drivers to confront the family of the person they injured or killed in an attempt to show how much pain and loss is caused by such a careless action. Students are even getting on board, with the Contract For Life scheme.
Most teens love to drink. They also love to drive. You don’t need to stop either – just make sure you do them safely, and definitely not together.