TEENS AND DRIVING

We are all aware of the fact that teen driving is just a part of modern life, but driving is also the # 1 killer of teenagers in the United States.  Recently, a leading group of safety experts from the U.S. and other countries were gathered to present review and discuss the latest “state-of-the-art” evidence related to teenage driving risks. 

Here are a few lessons from the experts that can help keep your teen safe:

Restrict Night Time Driving Privileges: For example, restrictions on night-time driving can help save lives because fatal crash risks for 16- and 17-year-old drivers are nearly three times higher between 10 PM and midnight.

Limit the Number of Passengers: It is also a good idea to prohibit or limit non-adult passengers during the first few months of independent driving. Compared to novice teen drivers who are alone, studies show crash rates increase by 50% with just one teen passenger, and by 400% with three or more teen passengers.

Insist on Seat Belt Usage: Of course, drivers of all ages should remember, seat belts save lives! It is also important to reduce distractions while driving. Cell phones are a good idea for safety, but should only be used when drivers have stopped in a safe place.

One in five 16-year olds is involved in a car crash during their first year of driving. Studies from the U.S. and other countries show that Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) reduces crashes, injuries and fatalities for novice teenage drivers. GDL provides for extended and more adult-supervised practice during the “learners permit” phase, and places temporary restrictions on situations that create the greatest risks for young drivers. Restrictions are systematically removed in a step-by-step manner until novice drivers earn unrestricted driving privileges. Find out if your state has a GDL program, and if not, advocate for one with your elected officials.

Another important lesson that experts teach us is that young people rank parents and family members among the top reasons for not using alcohol; in fact, they rank them above friends and peer pressure. When you talk to your grandchildren, you must send a clear message about not drinking and driving. Many today are using a contract with teens to involve them in setting a no use policy. One example of a contract about drinking and driving, and much more valuable information, can be found on the MADD website http://www.madd.org/under21/0,1056,5945,00.html.

When Dealing With Younger Children

Even in the best situation, riding in a car is an everyday danger that children encounter. To ensure that they have the safest ride possible -- every time -- a simple set of safety rules was developed based on input from emergency medical technicians (EMTs), police officers, emergency personnel and other safety experts:

ALWAYS

1. Sit in the back seat
2. Buckle uptight.
3. Put all stuffon the floor.
4. Don't bother the driver --sit quietly.
5. Tell a trusted grown-up immediately about any unsafe ride.

FACTS ABOUT TEENS AND ALCOHOL

RULE #1, TEENS AND ALCOHOL SHOULD NOT BE MIXED!

• Drinking alcohol before the brain is finished developing (around the age of 21) causes damage to the areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
• The first thing alcohol typically affects is judgment. If you can't make a good decision, you can't protect yourself.
• Studies show the three leading causes of injury and death for teens -- unintentional injuries, homicides and suicides -- involve alcohol.
• The younger that a person is when they start drinking alcohol, the higher their risk is for being alcohol dependence later in life.
• Most teenagers do not know you could die from an alcohol overdose.
• Beer and wine are not "safer" than hard liquor. A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and 1 ounce of hard liquor all have the same amount of alcohol.
• Approximately 2/3 of teenagers who drink report that they can buy their own alcohol.
• Teens who report that their parents allow them to drink at home or under special circumstances are 3 times more likely to drink and drive, and use illicit drugs.
• College students spend $5.5 billion on alcohol each year, more than they spend of soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee or school book combined.
• Conservatively speaking, the 12 million U.S. college students drink over 430 million gallons of alcohol a year - this is 3,500 Olympic sized swimming pools filled with alcohol.
• Binge drinking (drinking 5 or more drinks at a time) is arguably the # 1 public health hazard and the primary source of preventable morbidity and mortality for the more than 6 million full-time college students in America.
• Children need to learn that they can say "no" and keep their friends. The fact is, more than half of all U.S. teens are not drinking alcohol.

TIPS FOR TALKING TO CHILDREN AND TEENS ABOUT ALCOHOL

We know that it's tough to sort through all the mixed messages that society promotes about alcohol. It seems that we are constantly being bombarded by advertising from the alcohol industry glamorizing their products. However, please do not loose sight of the fact that your grandchild deserves a clear, uncompromising message from you.

Here are a few suggestions that may make your job a little easier....

The Right Words at the Right Time

At all ages, look for and create “teachable moments”, and bear in mind that the first discussion is often the hardest to initiate. When it comes to getting children to listen, you need to take into consideration their ages and where they are in their individual learning development. Generally, children in primary school (kindergarten through third grade) learn mostly by experience. Conversations with children this age should include experiences or events that children are familiar with, such as ads they've seen on television.

Children in grades four through six are beginning to make decisions and judgments about a variety of subjects, including underage alcohol use. They appreciate stories, facts and details about how things work. During this time, children can learn facts about alcohol, how alcohol affects the developing brain and body, and what they can say or do to refuse alcohol. At this age, friends -- and their opinions -- become vitally important and can directly affect opinions or decisions children make about alcohol.

For teens, try to model positive behavior rather than deliver a lecture. Emphasize the value that we place on the freedom to think and act independently, so we do not have to drink or use drugs because “everyone else is doing it”. Try to set a good example, set limits and provide supervision. Strongly express your disapproval of underage drinking, of drinking and driving, and of riding with a driver who has been drinking.

Rules and Rights

Because outside factors can be so influential, it's a good idea to provide children with a list of good reasons not to drink. Rule # 1, underage drinking is against the law, but instead of focusing on only negative messages, focus on the positive outcomes of not drinking, including keeping one's self-respect, being healthier and protecting their potential. Let them know they are too smart and have too much going for them to drink alcohol.

Take an active role in preventing underage drinking by monitoring your grandchild's activities, talking with their parents and keeping informed of the latest research and facts. As a family, try to take an active role in developing rules regarding safety and appropriate behaviors, and help your grandchild understand that the rules are for his or her protection.

There are also things children can do to have more control over their own safety and be prepared for a real-life situation involving alcohol.

• With your help, they can learn and practice phrases such as "No, thanks" or "I've got to go to practice", or “No thanks, I’d rather have a soda instead”.
• They should know they have the right and responsibility to report unsafe drivers to a trusted adult, even if the unsafe driver is a family member. It's important to talk about the difference between reporting -- telling to keep someone safe -- and tattling -- telling to get someone in trouble. Assure your grandchild that reporting is the right and expected behavior.
• They should learn that even though it is difficult, it is OK to refuse a ride from an unsafe driver. Give them the tools to do whatever it takes to not get in the car. Teaching a child phrases such as "I told my grandma I'd call her" or "I left my book inside" can show your child how to tactfully refuse a potentially dangerous ride.