If you've had the conversation with your teenage kids about the dangers of drinking and driving, now would be a good time to have it again. If you haven't had that conversation, now is a good time to start.
With school out for the summer, many young men and women turn to alcohol to celebrate their new found freedoms, at least for the next three months. According to the Washington State Patrol's Washington Fatality Analysis Reporting System, July and August are the deadliest months for road fatalities for those ages 16-25, with June and September not far behind.
Of course for people under age 21 that conversation should be simple: Don't drink period. It's not legal, and if you do and get caught, the level for legal intoxication – and all the consequences stemming out of – is very low, 0.02 compared to 0.08 for over 21.
That's barely a bottle cap amount, let alone a beer or two. It's not worth it.
If your kids are over 21, a conversation about the dangers of drinking impaired is just as timely since those dangers are very real and very serious. And many people in the over 21 crowd, but under 30, aren't old enough to realize they're not bulletproof.
If you need help with this conversation, here are some facts provided by the WSP for the five-year period 2004-2008. Over 90 percent of young driver-involved deaths (ages 16-25) were vehicle drivers or passengers – 61 percent were drivers and 31.3 percent passengers – with males accounting for over half (52.3 percent) of drivers killed.
The deadliest days are Sunday, 20.8 percent and Saturday, 19.8 percent (Friday's in at 14.8) with the deadliest hours taking place from midnight to 2:59 a.m., 20.5 percent. Surprisingly, the timeframe of 3-6 p.m. is second at 18.3 percent.
Most fatalities (71.6 percent) were in a passenger auto, SUV or van, over one-third (37.3 percent) took place on county roads and just under half were not wearing seat belts. Of the three major contributing factors to fatal accidents among young drivers, 43.7 percent were speeding, 40.7 percent were under the influence of alcohol or drugs – or both – and 20.9 percent were distracted or inattentive.
Sobering statistics for anybody, regardless of age.
Young drivers in the 16-25 age range simply haven't had that much behind-the-wheel time to be prepared enough to know how to handle situations not thrown at them in driver training school. Mix alcohol, drugs, cell phones and the sense of freedom summer brings into the pot and the potential for an innocent outing with friends to become deadly is very real.
But in talking to young people we would ask parents to have an open mind. Remember you were young once, maybe not that long ago, and feeling the same feelings. Taking the warning, stern lecturing approach often works to turn young people off, or make matters worse by creating a feeling of rebellion.
This doesn't mean you're condoning their actions, especially if they're under age 21. But remember your time in that age bracket and your reactions to being preached at.
Don't drink and drive is good advice. Don't drink at all if under age 21 is even better. But if you do drink, call home and ask for a ride. Call a cab or if possible take a bus.
Understanding and forgiveness reminds kids and young adults that you love them, no matter what. You may not get a second chance.
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