Drunk Driving and Teens

With nearly every convenience store and supermarket in the nation offering at least a minimal selection of wine, liquor, or beer, it is no surprise that this drug is often the most easily attained by teenagers. Many adults are surprised to learn that nearly 70 percent of teens have consumed alcohol at some point.

Discouraged from consumption by well-meaning parents, many adolescents turn to parties and gatherings with peers to drink. These inexperienced drinkers will frequently become far more intoxicated than they should, and yet will still attempt to drive home. This trend plays a major role in the 3,000 annual teenage deaths caused by drinking and driving.

Did you know that 18-year-olds have the highest crash rate in the nation? Or that vehicular accidents are the number one killer of 15- to 20-year-olds? Moreover, almost 30 percent of accidents involving this age group include alcohol consumption.

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in every state for operating a motor vehicle is 0.08 percent. However, this does not apply to teens, and most states strictly enforce a “zero-tolerance” policy. This means that, if a minor (someone under the age of 21) is determined to have any alcohol in his or her bloodstream, he or she can be placed in police custody.

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A minor conviction of DUI or a related offense can face legal and social consequences that will last a lifetime. If a teen you know has been charged with DUI, contact experienced Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer Matthew Marin at 401-287-4384 for help in fighting this serious accusation.