While you can’t protect your teen from the pressures of drinking alcohol or using drugs, you can prepare them for these types of situations. If your teen ever finds himself pressured to drink and drive, the first thing he should do is call a parent. However, as easy as that may sound, most teens would prefer not to have Mom or Dad show up at a social gathering of their friends.
Rather than run the risk of scrutiny and embarrassment, have your teen use a car service to drive them home. From taxis to private transportation, these services can help people—not only teens—get out of dangerous situations. And with today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to schedule a pick up or ride. With a simple phone call or smart phone app, a driver can be at the given location in no time at all.
Encouraging teens to use a car service to get out of an uncomfortable or possibly dangerous situation isn’t a means to avoid confronting a parent if they end up drinking during. Rather, it’s to give teens the chance to make smart choices.
Planning ahead
While a car service is a smart option for emergency situations, they can also be reserved for preplanned events such as prom, concerts and parties—any occasion where drinking may occur. They’re also good for groups of teens who can focus on having fun without the worry of driving, while also sharing the costs associated with reserving a car service.
Using a car service in these events can be a win-win situation for both parents and teens. Teens don’t have to “suffer” the embarrassment of having a parent hovering around them and their date or friends, while parents can have the peace of mind knowing their teen will have safe—and sober—transportation.
Parental guidance
Encouraging your teen to call a parent or car service to help them out of a problematic situation should be a practice parents use themselves. By modeling, parents can help reinforce smart decisions teens will be more likely to engage in.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to drive, including drinking or car trouble. You can also use a car service if you’re feeling too tired or drowsy to drive safely after a long day of work. Research has shown that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. The American Automobile Association conducted a study that found “sleepiness decreases awareness, slows reaction time and impairs judgment, just like drugs or alcohol.”
Show teens that if you know you will be drinking—even if it’s just a few beers or a glass of wine or two—you either have a designated driver or reserved a car service to pick you up, whatever is needed to keep you from getting behind the wheel. Then have your teen drive you back to your car the next day, showing them you made the smart choice of staying off the road.
By // Kyle Johnson
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