As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your teen safe, especially when driving. One of the biggest dangers facing teen drivers is drinking and driving, which can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. In South Carolina, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, and it’s also illegal for them to drive with any alcohol in their system. Here are some tips for preventing your teen driver from drinking and driving in South Carolina.

Talk to Your Teen About the Dangers of Drinking and Driving 

Start by having an open and honest conversation with your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving. Explain how alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and affects coordination. Help them understand that even a small amount of alcohol can significantly impact their ability to drive safely. 

Set Clear Expectations

Make it clear to your teen that drinking and driving are not acceptable under any circumstances. Set clear expectations about their behavior and the consequences they will face if they violate those expectations. Be sure to emphasize that the consequences of drinking and driving can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. 

Be a Good Role Model 

As a parent, you are your teen’s most important role model. Make sure that you practice what you preach by never drinking and driving yourself. If you drink, ensure you have a designated driver or arrange for alternate transportation – even if it’s just one or two.

Enforce Consequences

If your teen violates your rules and drinks and drives, enforcing consequences is essential. These consequences should be clear and consistent, including loss of driving privileges, grounding, or even professional help if necessary. Ensure your teen understands that their actions have consequences and that you are serious about keeping them safe. Even if they don’t get caught by the law, you can help ensure they never cross that line again.

Provide Safe Transportation 

Ensure your teen knows they can always call you for a ride if they find themselves in a situation where they’ve been drinking and don’t have a safe way to get home. Many teens drink and drive because they fear telling their parents they drank underage. Encouraging children to call you, even if they are drunk, could save their life and others. 

Preventing your teen driver from drinking and driving in South Carolina requires a combination of education, communication, and consequences. Remember, as a parent, you can make a difference and protect your teen from the dangers of drinking and driving and injuring themselves or someone else.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident as a result of a drunk driver, call us at ML Lawyers today at 864.225.9155.