Dangers of Teen Drinking and Driving

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Getting a driver’s license is a momentous occasion for a teenager. With this new level of freedom and independence comes a great deal of responsibility. Teens must make very adult decisions every time they get behind the wheel, particularly when it comes to drinking and driving. Unfortunately, not all teens make the right choice. As a result, impaired driving among teens is a serious problem that puts many teenagers at serious risk of being injured or killed in a drunk driving accident.

Teen Drinking and Driving: The Statistics

According to a survey from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on adolescent substance abuse, the following statistics were revealed:

  • Fifty percent of the students surveyed reported drinking at least once in the previous month.
  • Close to 40 percent of the teens surveyed said that they either used or tried marijuana.
  • Nearly 10 percent of teens surveyed admitted to driving under the influence.
  • Twenty percent of teens surveyed admitted to being a passenger with a teen driver who was under the influence.

Considering the fact that these statistics are only from teens that were willing to admit using alcohol or drugs, the statistics are not a realistic representation. They are likely much higher.

Teen Drinking and Driving: The Root of the Problem

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the following factors put teens at greater risk for drinking and driving than adults:

  • Inexperience: Experience comes with age, which applies to knowing how to quickly respond to unpredictable conditions and road hazards as they arise. Teens generally lack this experience.
  • Distractions: Teens are more likely to be distracted by things like cell phones and other passengers while driving.
  • Recklessness: Teens tend to engage in reckless, even dangerous behavior, often to impress their friends. They often feel that they are invincible and that there are no real-life consequences to their actions.

How to Prevent Teens from Drinking and Driving

The CDC recommends the following steps to address the issue of teen drinking and driving:

  • Create stricter drunk driving laws with more serious consequences.
  • Implement graduated license programs, which prevent teens from driving until they acquire the experience and knowledge required to be a skilled, licensed driver.
  • Continue to raise awareness through drunk driving programs that work with schools to educate teens about the serious dangers of driving while intoxicated.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeVIness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Drunk Driving Victims

Driving while intoxicated is never a wise choice, even if you have only had a small amount to drink. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving car accident, our Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side. We will work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and make sure that justice has been served. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent injured accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.