Drunk driving is the number one killer of people aged 15 to 24.  That’s why it’s important to take extra steps to keep your teen from driving drunk.  It may take extra time and a bit of courage, but you may be saving the life of your child or someone else’s child.

Start early.  Just because your teen can’t drive doesn’t mean they don’t need to learn about drunk driving.  If you make your opinion clear to them before they start driving, it’s more likely to stick.  This will also help your younger teens make correct decisions when offered a ride by a drunk driver. 

Teach them about consequences.  Most people make it clear to their teens that driving drunk could kill them and others, but they don’t detail what could happen to them if they get caught.  Find out the drunk driving laws in your state and explain them to your teen.  Remind them that a drunk driving conviction cannot only land them in jail, but also prevent them from getting a quality job and in a worst case scenario can kill. 

Let them know they can come to you.  Let your teen know they can come to you for a problem.  If your child calls you drunk, you’re first urge is probably to yell and scream at them for drinking.  However, if your child feels harassed when they call you for a ride, they’ll probably never do it again.  They should be punished, but let them know they made a good decision in calling you.

Encourage them to get involved.  Most schools have organizations that try to deter drunk driving.  There are clubs such and SADD (students against drunk driving) or services that give drunk teens rides home.  A message coming from their peers is more likely to stick than one coming from you.  

Be an example.  Once you’ve talked to your teen; you need to follow through by not drinking and driving yourself.  Even if you have only drank a little bit and feel you’re capable of driving, give someone else your keys.  Children tend to follow their parent’s example.

You can’t make decisions for your teen, but you can help them make good choices by talking to them early and often about not drinking and driving.