As soon as your teenager receives their driver’s permit (and before), they are bombarded with DUI public service announcements (PSAs). We’re all familiar with “Stay Alive, Don’t Drink & Drive,” “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” and “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,” just to name a few.
But you can’t rely on catchy slogans. It’s crucial to have a heart-to-heart talk with your teenager and make them understand that the collateral consequences of drunk driving can last a lifetime.
The teenage brain
Significant developments are occurring in the brain during adolescence, especially in the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for decision-making and impulse control. It’s also the last part of the brain to fully mature. Therefore, some teenagers may engage in risky behavior without considering the long-term consequences.
Your teen likely understands the harsh legal penalties. Virginia has a zero-tolerance policy, and getting caught driving with any alcohol in their system can result in a driver’s license suspension for a year and a $500 fine or 50 hours of community service.
The broader effects of a DUI
However, a drunk driving conviction for a teen goes beyond that. It could jeopardize their dreams. A criminal record can:
- Limit scholarship eligibility
- Disqualify them from certain career paths
- Make them seem irresponsible to college administrators and potential employers
Drunk driving can also give them a lifetime of guilt and regret if they were to harm someone or themselves, which can impact their mental health. It’s one of the leading causes of fatal accidents for teens. Even if your teen is unharmed, they would have to live forever with the knowledge that their actions caused the death of someone else, possibly a close friend.
Useful strategies
Teens don’t want to listen to a lecture from their parents, so your approach is key. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
- Don’t be judgmental. Instead, use empathy.
- Don’t lecture. Ask open-ended questions.
- Discuss backup plans that offer your teens a safe way out of tough situations.
- Most importantly, lead by example.
Life is full of complexities for teenagers, and our job as parents is to help them navigate the difficulties of growing up. Above all else, always remind them that your love for them is unconditional.
If they’re arrested for drunk driving, it might seem like they should have to face the consequences. However, those consequences can follow them well into adulthood. By ensuring that they have legal guidance, you can help protect their rights and work to mitigate those consequences.