The Toney Law Firm, LLC The Toney Law Firm, LLC

How Parents Can Prevent Underage DUI

man and his son standing next to car smiling at each other

When your teenager gets their driver’s license, it’s an exciting time. With the license comes newfound independence, and also responsibility. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure your child is a safe driver. We’ve put together a list of tips for how you can guide your child to make safe decisions when it comes to DUI.

Set Clear Boundaries

One of the most important things to have between you and your teenager is open communication. Once they get their license, sit down with them and have an open conversation about road safety and drunk driving. During this conversation, you can set clear expectations for your child in regards to underage drinking and driving.

Lead By Example

Though they may not want to admit it, your teenagers are still learning from you. This means that if they see you get behind the wheel after drinking, they’ll be more inclined to feel like it is okay to do the same. Be sure to set a good example by only driving sober!

Share The Risks

Make sure your child is aware of the risks of underage DUI. This includes potential criminal consequences, as well as physical health risks.

Here are some important points to share:

  • Each year, around 300,000 people are injured in drunk driving accidents.
  • A DUI on your criminal record can prevent you from working in certain career fields.
  • About 30% of all car accident fatalities are alcohol-related.
  • A DUI may hurt your ability to get college scholarships.

Tell Them To Call You For A Safe Ride

Even when you do everything you can to deter your child from underage drinking, it can still happen. It’s common for teenagers to experiment with alcohol with their friends. Make sure your teen knows that your top priority is their safety and that they can, and should, always call you for a safe ride home rather than trying to drive home intoxicated.

Chicago Underage DUI Defense

If your child has been charged with underage DUI, contact The Toney Law Firm, LLC today. We understand that all teenagers make mistakes and we don’t want this mistake to affect your child’s future.