At least twice each year we see a real push from police against drinking and driving. Once at Christmas and again in the spring.
At Christmas, age is not a consideration for police, but in springtime, the target group is clear.
Drinking drivers tend to be younger in spring around graduation time.
More than two years ago the province introduced Canada’s toughest impaired driving laws and the number of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths went down by half.
But drinking alone is still a threat to our youth, whether they get behind the wheel of a car or not.
From risky sexual behaviour to an increase in physical and sexual assaults to death from alcohol poisoning, the risk to youth from excessive alcohol use or drinking to get drunk, is real.
With any luck, the days of parent-sanctioned “wet” grad parties are a thing of the past.
As parents, it’s our job to make the tough decisions – even if they are not the most popular ones with our kids.
All their lives we’ve made decisions for our children based on what we think is best for them.
We’ve denied them sugary cereals. We’ve made them eat their broccoli. We’ve strapped unwilling toddlers into car seats, because it’s the safest way for them to ride.
It may not be the easiest thing you’ve done lately, but convincing your teen that drinking alcohol to celebrate is not a necessity and could bring them harm in ways other than the risk of driving drunk will make everyone feel better in the morning.
—Victoria News
