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