TEENS, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Teenager's interest in drugs and alcohol and its impact on driving are discussed. In 1977, about 3923 drinking drivers aged 15 to 20 years were involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents resulting in 4657 fatalities. One out of four high school students who drink say that they have been drunk three or more times while driving. Since 1970, the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents involving teenage drivers has increased by 28%. While the teenager who has smoked marijuana, consumed alcohol, or both is a definite hazard on the highway, some people feel that the adult who takes tranquilizers regularly represents a more substantial hazard. The problem with teenagers, however, is that dangers may be multiplied if the intoxicant has been taken by an inexperienced driver who considers drugs to be a normal part of daily life. The message of teenage drug education programs is that driving an automobile under the influence of any mood-altering drug is dangerous. Such driving is particularly dangerous in heavy traffic where the driver must make many decisions simultaneously.

  • Availability:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Information supplied by Journal of American Insurance.
  • Corporate Authors:

    South African Road Safety Council

    NRSC Building, Beatrix Street, Private Bag 147X
    Pretoria 0001,   South Africa 
  • Publication Date: 1979-11

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 8-9
  • Serial:
    • ROBOT
    • Issue Number: 107
    • Publisher: SNELCO-PRO PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANTS
    • ISSN: 0035-7391

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00390743
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 994
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM