Embracing the Power of Parents this Teen Driver Safety Week

Virginia parents, you’re in control when it comes to your teen driver. This Teen Driver Safety Week, talk with your teen about the risks and results of driving when impaired. We’re sharing a few pointers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As a parent, you influence everything your teen does—even how they drive. Model safe-driving behaviors so your teen will, too.

1 Tell your teen that underage drinking, as well as illicit drug use and over-the-counter and prescription drug misuse, is illegal and holds serious consequences. Together, read about some teenagers whove been affected by alcohol or drugs and particularly those who have lost their lives to impaired driving. Teens can often relate better to other teenagers.

2 Never provide alcohol to teens. Do your part to prevent your teen from having access to alcohol. Unfortunately, some parents think its OK to provide alcohol for teens. Dont do it—it’s illegal in Virginia. Parents who supply alcohol to any teen—or help any minor possess or consume alcohol—face jail time, loss of a drivers license, and serious fines. Remember: For those under 21, the BAC limit is not .08—it is zero.

3 Tell your teen that driving while impaired by drugs is illegal, too. The use of drugs can affect their ability to drive a vehicle safely. This includes illegal drugs, many drugs prescribed by a doctor for them or for someone else, and some over-the-counter drugs. Teach your children about zero-tolerance laws, which make it illegal to drive with any measurable amount of specified drugs in the body.

4 Remind your teen that it is never safe to ride in a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol or using drugs. If there is even a suspicion of alcohol or drug use, your teen should decline the ride immediately.

Let your teen know that they can call you or another trusted adult for a safe ride home if they need one.

5 Make the consequences clear. Remind your teens that they face adult consequences for driving after using alcohol or drugs. Make sure your teens know that if they violate underage drinking laws, they face a trip to jail, the loss of their driver licenses, and dozens of unanticipated expenses including attorney fees, court costs, and other fines.

Remind them of the added embarrassment and humiliation in getting arrested. Drunk- and drugged-driving convictions can even compromise academic eligibility, college acceptance, scholarship awards, and more.

Learn more: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving