ONYX

Maryland Sheriffs Encourage Efforts to Curb Teenage Drunk Driving

In an effort to make streets and highways safer, the MSA is looking to the public to help reduce an alarming trend: young people getting into vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 17,000 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents in the United States last year, a rate of one person every 30 minutes. Even more alarmingly, almost 1/3 of the 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. had been drinking. Unfortunately, many of those under the age of 21 fail to recognize the lethal combination of alcohol and driving; and excessive drinking often leads to reckless and, in many cases, lawless behavior.

Because of their relative lack of driving experience, adolescents are at greater risk for traffic accidents. Also, younger drivers are more susceptible than older drivers to alcohol–induced impairment. Studies from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control show that almost as many young men age 18 to 20 as legal-aged 21- to 34-year olds acknowledge driving while under the influence. Yet the problem is not confined to one particular age group or gender. Statistics show that approximately 70% of all teenagers drink alcohol, including 1 out of 10 children between the ages of 12 and 13.

Furthermore, a recent study by researchers at Georgetown University’s Center for Alcohol Marketing and Youth found that, in certain age categories, teenage girls are drinking more than teen boys because of an increasing number of ads for products like wine coolers and alcoholic iced teas that are geared primarily toward young women. Although tougher drunk driving penalties, seat belt laws and increased sobriety checkpoints have had a significant impact in reducing drunk driving fatalities, the battle cannot be won by law enforcement authorities alone.

Family and friends often are in the best position to identify and prevent behaviors in adolescents that lead to underage drinking. While the ‘Say No to Drugs’ message has been heeded by a large number of parents and their children, what seems to be lost is the fact that underage drinking kills almost seven times more young people than all other illicit drugs combined. As important as it is to get through to teens, much of the groundwork needs to start at home and continue on with peer groups. The risks for being complacent are simply too high.

Organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) are devoted to raising public awareness on the dangers of underage alcohol use. The organization has several prevention programs and initiatives developed in Maryland area in conjunction with local schools and community leaders to educate adolescents. Sheriffs’ offices also have information on these, and many other, public safety topics.

Fortunately, there are signs that young adults themselves recognize the high cost in both dollars and human lives for accidents that, in most instances, could have been avoided. Various surveys among the nation’s college students show that an overwhelming majority favors 21 as the minimum age to sell or serve alcohol and hopes to see drunk-driving rules more strongly enforced.

The law enforcement community hopes that at some point, common sense will prevail and young adults will learn from the mistakes of others before they learn from their own. We all understand that young people like to have fun. But at some point this fun can figuratively and literally cross the line, leading to deadly consequences.

Safeguards Against Underage Drunk Driving:

• Parents and older siblings must be aware that they are role models to younger family members, and should be cognizant of what kind of examples they set in regard to both their driving and drinking habits.
• Restricting access to liquor and automobiles at home may be an effective preventative measure in the short term, but it is even more advisable to confront your son(s) and/or daughter(s) about the serious risks involved with underage drinking.
• Whether driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle, always wear a seatbelt!
• If you see vehicles that are speeding excessively or swerving, try to get a license plate number and call your Sheriff’s Office, the local or state police.
• If a person has too much to drink and insists on getting behind the wheel, do not get into the vehicle.
• If you are going to an event where alcohol will be served, take public transportation like buses or taxis, if possible.
• Regardless of your age, if you believe you may have a drinking problem, consult a school counselor, health professional, or an alcohol support group (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous).