How to talk to kids about underage DUI

Although Louisiana implements numerous safety measures, including sobriety checkpoints and ignition interlocks, numerous people lose their lives to drunk driving every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 3,000 people died as a result of a drunk driver in Louisiana between 2003 and 2012. That does not include the number of people who suffer injuries.

Parents need to be mindful of their children’s habits. Kids may not fully understand the impact drunk driving can have. No one may become injured, but an arrest can have a lasting impact, even if it occurred before a child turns 18. Parents in Louisiana should sit down with their teens at some point to discuss the dangers of drunk driving and DUIs.

Talk about how easy it is to go over the limit

Teenagers should not drink alcohol under any circumstances. However, most people went to parties when they were in high school and faced peer pressure. Parents should make it clear if their children drink, they need to do so in moderation. For some teens, having two drinks in less than an hour is enough to put them over the 0.08 limit. However, that does not really matter because any amount of alcohol in a teen’s system will result in an arrest.

Talk about the consequences

Thousands of teens die across the country each year due to drunk driving. However, even if death does not occur, a teen could jeopardize his or her academic future. Colleges may not accept applicants with a criminal record. One night of fun is simply not worth it.

Talk about making right choices

Even if a teen has not had anything to drink, he or she may still get in a car with someone who has. Teenagers should never do this. As a parent, make it clear there are other options to get home without putting lives in danger.