Here’s What You Need to Know About Underage DUI on Prom Night
Prom is an exciting time for the younger folks. It’s a rite of passage where teenagers get the chance to dress up and shine like a star. It’s not just a glamorous party; prom marks an end of an age as well as a new beginning of another chapter in a young person’s life.
Unfortunately car accidents are quite common on prom night. While it’s an exciting time to be in, drinking and driving usually accompany this special occasion. As a result, many get seriously injured or, worse, die.
Understandably the youngsters tend to be adventurous, willing to explore anything new, even the dangerous stuff. But to make prom night a pleasant and positive experience for them to cherish for the rest of their lives, it is crucial to eliminate drinking then driving.
It’s not just the teenagers that need to understand this. Parents too need to play a critical role in elucidating the very serious risks of underage alcohol drinking and driving on this momentous night.
Facts about Underage Drinking and Driving
By law, teens are prohibited from purchasing and/or consuming alcoholic or intoxicating beverages. In the State of Nevada, there is strict enforcement of this rule.
Perhaps it’s pop culture or what-not, but unfortunately many teens associate prom nights with alcohol consumption. According to statistics, around 6 percent of U.S. students surveyed by concerned citizens’ group and an insurance company have operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol on their prom.
The same group of surveyed students revealed that nine out of ten of them believe their classmates have a strong predilection to drink and drive on that special night.
While 6 percent may seem like a little figure, that number is dangerous high, considering the likely consequences of underage driving while drunk. In many cases, there are serious injuries and deaths that occur on the occasion of teen DUI (driving under the influence) cases.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 85 percent of teens who figured in a car accident resulting from drunk driving admitted to binge drinking. Having at least five drinks in a short period may be considered binge drinking.
Also, about 80 percent of teenagers registered a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level of more than 0.08 percent, which is the limit set by law. Male teenagers are more likely to drive while drunk.
Preventing Teenage DUI
Whether it’s prom night or just an ordinary weekend, preventing teenage DUI is imperative. There have been countless lives lost or irreparably changed as a result of drunk-driving car collisions.
To address the widespread occurrence, intense clampdown was initiated by various law enforcement agencies of each state. Zero-tolerance policies were enforced against teenagers caught drinking alcoholic substances then driving.
Alcohol drinking by persons under the age of 21, in itself, is already prohibited. Thus, a higher penalty is imposed against persons committing underage drinking and driving. In addition, subsequent convictions for the same offense will result in steeper punishment.
Recognizing the Serious Safety Risks of Underage DUI
For parents and guardians, it is important to impose strict discipline against underage drinking and driving. If ever these minors drink, encourage them to open up and call for a ride home instead of risking life or limb.
Remember the life you save may not just be that of your child but also of other drivers who share the road.
