Alcohol-Impaired Driving Among Teenagers: A Growing Concern

In the US, alcohol-impaired driving is a major problem among teenagers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that, in 2018, more than one in five drivers aged 16 to 20 who were involved in fatal car accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. That’s the legal limit for adult drivers in every state. This is an alarming statistic as it shows that young drivers are not only more likely to drive after drinking but are also more likely to be involved in a fatal crash due to their impaired state.

It’s important to note that this isn’t just a problem among teenagers. According to the CDC, drivers aged 21 to 34 were more likely to be involved in fatal crashes with BACs of .08 or higher than drivers aged 16 to 20. However, the risk is still highest among teenagers and it is a major concern.

Why is Alcohol-Impaired Driving a Problem Among Teenagers?

There are a few factors that contribute to the high rate of alcohol-impaired driving among teenagers. The first is easy access. For underage drinkers, it is often easier to obtain alcohol than it is for adults. This is because alcohol can be purchased by an adult for a minor, or a minor can get it from a friend or family member. Once alcohol is obtained, teenagers are more likely to take risks and engage in dangerous behaviors like drinking and driving.

The second factor is peer pressure. Teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors when they are with their friends. This is especially true when it comes to alcohol-impaired driving. While some teenagers may be aware of the risks and choose not to drive after drinking, they may feel pressure from their peers to do so. As a result, they may make a bad decision and get behind the wheel while impaired.

The third factor is a lack of experience. Teenagers are more likely to make mistakes while driving because they lack the experience of older drivers. This is especially true when it comes to drinking and driving. Teenagers may not understand the dangers of driving while impaired or the legal consequences of their actions. As a result, they may make the mistake of driving after drinking, leading to tragic consequences.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Alcohol-Impaired Driving Among Teenagers?

There are a few steps that can be taken to reduce alcohol-impaired driving among teenagers. The first is to increase awareness. Parents and schools should educate teenagers about the risks of drinking and driving and make sure they are aware of the legal consequences. Schools should also have policies in place to discourage alcohol use and educate students about the dangers of drinking and driving.

The second step is to increase access to alternative transportation. Public transportation, ridesharing services, and taxi services can provide a safe way for teenagers to get home after drinking. This will reduce the temptation to drive while impaired and reduce the risk of a fatal crash.

The third step is to strengthen laws and enforcement. This includes increasing penalties for underage drinking and driving, as well as increasing police presence in areas where teenagers are likely to drink and drive. This will make it harder for teenagers to get away with drinking and driving and will also serve as a deterrent.

Conclusion

Alcohol-impaired driving among teenagers is a growing concern and one that must be addressed. The steps outlined above can help reduce the number of fatal crashes involving teenagers who have been drinking. Parents, schools, and law enforcement must work together to make sure teenagers understand the risks and consequences of drinking and driving and have access to safe alternative transportation. By taking these steps, we can help save lives and reduce the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.