As prom and graduation parties swing into high gear, it’s time to revisit the rules of the road with your teen.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-year-olds.¹ And drugs, alcohol, and driver distractions increase teens’ crash risks. Despite what you may think, parents are the most important influence on their teen when it comes to risky behaviors, including substance abuse and driving.² So as teens take to the roads to celebrate the end of the school year, you can make a difference by talking about the dangers of drugged, drunk, and distracted driving.

Set limits for your teen driver.

Getting a driver’s license is an exciting and risky time for teens. But parents can take immediate steps to limit the potential dangers of teen driving:

1. Limit the times, destinations, and number of passengers allowed in the car when your teen is driving.

2. Set check-in rules for your teen to call or text when they arrive at their destination.

3. Know who your teen is with and where he or she is going at all times.

4. Talk to your teens about the dangers of drugged, drunk, and distracted driving.

SOURCE: PARENTS-THE ANTI-DRUG

¹U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Traffic Safety Facts: Young Drivers," 2007. Http://www.dtadadap.com/PDF/STATS/2007/2007-TSF-YoungDrivers.pdf.² The TRU Study, TRU, Fall ’06 Wave.

CTCADA offers both adolescent intervention and treatment programs. Education, individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and referral to other resources are all part of a comprehensive effort to prevent or intervene in youth alcohol and drug abuse. Call us at 254-690-4455!