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What to Tell Your College Student About Drunk Driving

Accidents account for 41 percent of deaths among people ages 15 to 24, and most of those accidents are vehicle crashes. In addition, one of the biggest causes of car accidents in the U.S. is alcohol intoxication, and young people are among the most at risk for drinking and driving. Those stats combined make it clear that drunk driving is a dangerous epidemic among young people, including college students.

If your child attends college, it’s important to make sure they know the dangers associated with driving while impaired, including the consequences of both accidents and DUI arrests. Drinking and driving can derail even the most promising academic and athletic careers, and there’s simply no excuse for students to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Be Honest, Direct, and Persistent When Discussing Drinking and Driving

Whether your child lives at home or nearby while attending college, or if they moved across the country, you still have a strong influence on their life and their decision making. That’s why taking these steps is vital when it comes to reducing their alcohol-related driving risks:

  • Make it easy for your child to get home safely—Many college students drive while intoxicated because of convenience or because they believe they don’t have other options. Ensuring your child can get a safe ride home via ridesharing service credits or public transportation passes can reduce their risks.
  • Set a good example with your own behavior—Drinking and driving, even if you don’t think you’re intoxicated, or providing alcohol to your child and their friends sets a bad example. Never get behind the wheel after drinking, and never provide alcohol to your child if they’re underage or if they’re driving.
  • Talk about the dangers of riding with drunk drivers—Even if your child is responsible with alcohol and never drives after drinking, their friends may not take the same precautions. Make sure your child knows to never ride with intoxicated drivers and to prevent them from driving when they’re over the limit.

Drunk driving is one of the biggest risks for all motorists in Indiana and Illinois, but it’s not the only danger lurking on the area’s highways and interstates. Our Indiana car accident lawyers are here to help anyone who was hurt in an auto accident that wasn’t their fault. Contact Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today for a free consultation.

Reach out to a Terre Haute Personal Injury Attorney Today

The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.

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