Tell Your Teen About Drunk Driving Today

On March 4th 2011 the popular drunk driving coalition MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) has come out with a new free handbook designed to help parents teach their young teens and children about the dangers of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Parents need to understand that they have a lot more power than they think when it comes to stopping underage drinking.

The guidebook that is offered by MADD gives parents suggestions and tips on the proper way to discuss serious matters like drinking and driving with our children. The new guide book is free and is called "Power of Parents, It's Your Influence." The American College of Emergency Physicans along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving are holding a conference to help mothers and fathers who don't know how to approach their children.

There have been many studies done and some institutions have claimed that over 500 ER visits each day are related to underage drunk drivers. MADD has done their own studies and found that 1 out of 3 middle school teens drink alcohol occasionally and some even binge drink on a regular basis. When teens get into high school drinking at parties is almost a must if you want to fit in. Be cautious about who your teen are hanging around with.

According to the ACEP teens who choose to get drunk before 21 will most likely struggle to maintain good grades and be on time to school. One other thing teens need to be aware of is the fact that young teens and kids that start alcohol early will most likely have alcohol issues and problems later on in life. Make sure you talk to your kids and teens about how dangerous alcohol and drunk driving can be.