If you are a parent of a teenager, this section contains information that could one day keep your child out of an accident. No matter how well-behaved your child is, you have to remember that you don't have to be the one drinking to become a DUI-related statistic. All it takes is to sit down in a car with a driver that has been drinking or taking drugs. You should sit down and discuss drunk and drugged driving with your child openly, seriously, and truthfully. Don't try to scare your teen, just make sure they know that there are risks present. Discuss with your child what they would do if their ride showed up drunk, what they would do if they are already in a car and they notice that the driver is drunk, and other situations. Make sure they know that you are on their side.

A good idea is to draft up a "contract for life" between you and your teenaged child. This idea is discussed at the end of the last section. In it, your child agrees to call you at any time rather than getting in the car drunk or with a drunk driver. Moreover, you stipulate that you will respond to any call and provide a ride for your teen, no matter what time, if he or she would otherwise be driving drunk or with a drunk driver. Make it clear that this does not give your teen permission to drink. You reserve the right to question and discipline your child if he or she is the one that has been drinking, but make it clear that the most important thing is your child's safety. In addition, you as the parents must agree to not drink and drive yourself, thus setting a poor example. (Not to mention risking your lives).

Also, remember that the legal drinking age in every state is 21. Serving, purchasing, or allowing youth under 21 to consume alcohol is illegal. Talk openly with your teen about the dangers of alcohol. Let them know that alcohol lessens inhibitions, and drinking can lead to serious consequences. Unprotected sex, teen pregnancy, violence, and traffic crashes are a few of the possible outcomes of drinking. Know where your teen is at night, and make sure that you have a number where you can contact him or her. If your teen is going to a party at a friend's house, call to make sure that alcohol will not be allowed and that the parents will be home at all times.

By now your teen may be thinking that you don't trust him or her. You might want to reassure your teen of your trust in them -- but that you care deeply about their welfare, and you just want to not only make sure they are aware of these dangers, but to make sure they stay out of those dangers.