Teenage drinking and driving results in many deaths in the U.S. every year. For this reason, tackling this crime is a top priority for law enforcement.
Tackling criminal activity while it’s happening or after the event is all well and good, but it’s often too late. Taking a look at why some teens may be encouraged to drink and drive could be helpful in prevention. So, why do some teens drink and drive?
Risks don’t seem as scary
Being granted your license as a teenager can feel like your first step toward true freedom. This can be a rush, and you may feel that you have the world at your feet. Some teens feel invincible at this point, and drinking and driving really doesn’t scare them. Numerous studies suggest that teenagers are less sensitive to serious risks, and this could be a root cause of impaired driving.
Peer pressure
All teenagers are trying to work out how exactly they fit into the world. The desire to belong can be extremely compelling. In some circumstances, teens are left to feel excluded if they don’t partake in drinking at parties or on a night out, even when they are driving. The majority of us have given in to peer pressure at some point in our youth, and this is one of the main causes of teenage drunk driving.
It’s important to remember that teens can also be stereotyped by law enforcement, and a drunk driving charge does not necessarily mean guilt. Having experienced legal guidance on their side will help your teenage child deal with a DUI charge.
