Barnesky, J. (1998, May). Drunk Driving. (Publication unlisted). pp. 1-2.

The Center for Youth Studies is pleased to have the following article review offered by a high school student. We believe that insight from young people themselves is important for today’s youth workers.

According to Barnesky, "Drunk driving is the number one cause of death among young people, accounting for 20% of all deaths from ages 15 to 20." Additionally, teenagers who are less active are more likely to drink and drive.

Fortunately, the public must be getting the message about drinking and driving, because since 1982, the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths has decreased 30%. For the last 14 years, alcohol-related traffic deaths have been decreasing steadily.

Some effective measures currently used to combat drinking and driving include license suspension, lowering the blood alcohol level, and public service announcements. Although many people are still killed or injured from drinking and driving, the good news is that the number of deaths has drastically decreased due to the strong public awareness and stiffer penalties.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Why would someone drink and drive?
2. Would you ever drink and drive? Do you know anyone who has?
3. Does the government need to do more to make people aware about drinking and driving?
4. Do you know where you can get help if you do drink and drive?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Knowing the facts about drinking and driving is very important. It is important because if you are aware of the fact that when you do this you could kill innocent people and also yourself.
2. Teachers could teach their students more about drinking and driving. One program that comes to mind is the DARE program. This program teaches kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol but also drunk driving.