Drunk Driving Consequences
Reader’s Question:
How should I explain to my teenage son about drunk driving consequences so that he will be more responsible? What consequences should I tell him?
Martha
Indianapolis IN
Teaching teenagers about responsibility in driving can be quite easy for some parents while very difficult to those whose children are headstrong. In trying to make your son understand that drunk driving consequences can be serious, it is important to not get into an argument. You can insert it in conversations in an offhand manner or talk to him directly in a serious but non-confrontational manner. The most important thing is to get him to listen to you.
In terms of drunk driving consequences that you should tell him, it can include both the major and non-major effects of being under the influence of alcohol. First, tell him how alcohol affects the reflexes of a person. A drunk driver may think he is driving slow even if his speed is already above the speed limit. How is this dangerous? When an animal or a person suddenly crosses the street, it will be impossible for the driver to get the car to a total stop. So, either he hits the crossing animal or person or he swerves to avoid them. If he avoids them without thinking where he is going, he could end up in the middle of the other lane. It is good if there are no cars on the opposite lane. But if there are other vehicles, the result could be a disaster. The driver could suffer from fatal injuries and perhaps do the same to other motorists.
Non-major drunk driving consequences include getting arrested for DUI and a conviction afterwards. A DUI conviction means higher insurance rates. Now, tell your son that if he wants to continue driving, his insurance rates should not be higher than a certain limit. If it gets too expensive as a consequence of a DUI arrest, he could end up without a car. This will probably make him stop and listen.
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