MADD
Having the Crucial Conversations
I drive through the intersection every day; sometimes I glance at the wall where the car hit, sometimes I’ m in a rush, but without fail, I remember those kids each time I pass. They will never be forgotten. We have a‘ wall of honor’ in the Idaho office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving( MADD) where no parent wants their child’ s photo to hang. As parents, the loss of a young life often hits home; we think about our own children and our hearts ache for the parents whose child will never return. According to the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety, 1 out of 5 crashes in 2012 involved a youthful driver, ages 15-19, resulting in 14 deaths and 1012 injuries. Of the 14 youth killed, 7 were driving. There are many factors to consider regarding crashes involving our youth; texting, passengers, seatbelts, and distractions both in and out of the car. Impaired driving is another factor; in 2012, there were 182 crashes on Idaho roadways which were caused by impaired drivers under the age of 21.
The heartbreaking fact is that teen alcohol use kills over 4700 people in the U. S. each year, more than all other illegal drugs combined. Research shows there’ s a disconnect when it comes to underage drinking: 1 out of 6 teens binge drink, but only 1 out of 100 parents think their child binge drinks. This is a staggering statistic, which supports the‘ not my kid’ illusion.
Source: MADD. org
The good news is that three-quarters of teens also say their parents are the number one influence on their decision whether to drink or not drink alcohol. Parents impact their child’ s choices, so by discussing the importance of waiting until they’ re 21 to drink and never supplying alcohol to minors, a clear message is sent. Before the proms and spring break, we encourage parents to have those crucial conversations. April 21st is PowerTalk 21 day, the national day to discuss underage drinking with your kids. Idaho has several available resources to help get started:
• MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving offers parents and caregivers the tools to start this potentially lifesaving conversation, get tips, conversation starters, and download a free handbook by visiting www. madd. org / id.
• Alive at 25: A free defensive driving class taught by local law enforcement officers with the goal of lowering teen / young adult automobile accidents. Visit www. idsafedriver. org
• Other helpful links:
• Drug Free Idaho http: www. drugfreeidaho. org
• Idaho Office of Drug Policy: www. betheparents. org
• Idaho Drug Free Youth: www. idahodrugfreeyouth. org
• Mayor’ s Anti-Drug Coalition: www. meridanmadc. com
• Buckle Up For Bobby: www. http:// buckleupforbobby. com
( 208) 853-3700
Panhandle
DOOR & DRAWER
208-267-2955
We are proud to open the door to an
ABUSE free future for our youth!
168 Potholes Road • Bonners Ferry, ID
Rawlings
Community Counseling
Specializing in Mental Health Counseling and Addictions Treatment
208-267-0900
We proudly support preventative education for our youth! We care! We get involved!
6658 Comanche St. • Bonners Ferry, ID www. rawlingscommunitycounseling. com
abusemagazine. org | Idaho Spring / Summer 2014 | 7