Most Pennsylvania parents spend a great deal of time worrying about their teens, especially once they are able to drive. Adding to those concerns may be the possibility that some of those teens could be drinking and driving. Fortunately, one study indicates that teenagers are involved in fewer DUI arrests and accidents involving alcohol.
In 2015, the percentage of teens consuming alcohol dropped to just 18 percent of those surveyed. In 2011, the number of 12 to 17-year-old juveniles drinking alcohol was 20 percent. That may not be a dramatic drop, but any downward movement remains significant.
The better news from the study indicated that drunk driving crashes involving teens dropped significantly between 2010 and 2016. The number went from 7.96 crashes per 100,000 teens to 4.72 per 100,000. That means that 41 percent fewer teenagers were involved in this dangerous behavior.
There is some concern that when Pennsylvania made loosened restrictions on the sales of liquor and wine in June 2016 those number would increase again. It could be some time before the impact of Act 39 on teens is truly known. In the meantime, many parents may still have concerns about their teens drinking and driving.
If a teen is arrested on a DUI-related charge, quick action is needed in order to take steps to minimize the effects that arrest will have on a teenager’s future. The potential criminal penalties associated with DUI charges are only the beginning. College admissions, scholarships and job prospects could also be affected. In order to preserve a child’s future, it may be a good idea to enlist the aid of a criminal defense attorney to work toward the best possible outcome to the situation.
Source: phillyvoice.com, “Study: Drinking, DUI crashes down among Pennsylvania teens“, Andrew Parent, Jan. 24, 2018
