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"The message has to be that it is completely unacceptable," said Jan Withers, MADD's (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) National President when MADD announced the results of last September's online survey of 663 high school students.  The survey results announcement was made April 2014 - Alcohol Awareness Month. 

The survey found that when teens get a message from their parents that underage drinking is "completely unacceptable" more than 80% are less likely to drink than teens who get other messages. 

Research shows that teens who wait until age 21 to start drinking are 80% less likely to abuse alcohol or become alcohol-dependent later in life than teens who drink before the age of 15. 

Alcohol is the drug of choice for teens, and the widespread nature of the problem is alarming. About half of all tenth graders drink. One in six teens binge drinks. Teen alcohol use kills approximately 4,700 people each year; more than all other drugs combined according to MADD.

Drinking and driving can kill and injure not only the driver, but also others.  In addition to DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or while intoxicated), teens can face legal consequences for:

• Purchasing alcohol
• Having alcohol (being a "minor in possession")
• Consuming alcohol 

Penalties could include revoked license, fines, or even jail time. 

"Help your teens stay safe and make healthy choices by sending the message that underage drinking is 'completely unacceptable'," says HurtByDrunkDriver Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

 Here are some ways to help parents communicate, understand, and stay "connected" with their children:

1. Talk and listen to your teen regularly.
2. Become involved in your teen's world. Know where they are and with whom.
3. Make sure your teen understands you do not want him/her drinking or using drugs.
4. Set and enforce limits such as curfews.  Make your teen feel safe knowing they can call you should they be in a situation where drugs or alcohol are being used so you can pick them up. 

HurtByDrunkDriver Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.