Teenagers and Drunk Driving: Has It Gotten Better in 2017?

Teenagers and drunk driving. Has it gotten better in 2017?

It’s unfortunate that the leading cause of death in teenagers is completely preventable.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports nearly 2,000 teens were killed in car crashes in 2015. In the same year, one out of five teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in a fatal crash had been drinking.

Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15th to the 21st. This week is supposed to be a public service announcement in the U.S. by NHTSA that addresses the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers.

Are There Fewer Drunk Driving Cases?

Alcohol is still a big reason why teenagers die on the road every year. Although drunk driving has decreased 54 percent since 1991, there are still one in 10 teens in high school who drink and drive.

Driving with .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) will impair anyone no matter what age. But for someone who is younger and more inexperienced behind the wheel, it means even more trouble.

How to Prevent Reckless and Distracted Driving

NHTSA is promoting National Teen Driver Safety Week by asking parents to have these types of conversations with their teens, like sharing the facts and numbers. Existing laws, such as the minimum legal drinking age and zero alcohol tolerance, should also be enforced. Have a plan for your teen if they are going out, such as picking them up or paying for a Lyft ride.

Driving is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. Smart Start is here to help if more protection is needed for a loved one. An Ignition Interlock Device is a car breathalyzer that can read someone’s breath alcohol content (BrAC). If one’s alcohol intake is above the BrAC limit in the device, the vehicle will not start. Ignition Interlocks are an effective tool that keeps your loved one, and others on the road, safe.

Need more information on a voluntary Ignition Interlock Device? Call our team at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.