Please excuse me if I have been focused on teen drivers, or more specifically, teen driving fatalities lately but as an experienced Tennessee auto accident lawyer I am aware that this time of year seems to be the beginning of the season of death for our youngsters. I have been thinking a lot lately about teen drinking and driving. I’ve discussed here many times the sad fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group.

The basic reasons behind this statistic are obvious, teen drivers have no experience with the myriad issues faced by drivers with experience, furthermore, they are immature and often takes risks, most often speeding, and are easily distracted which contribute to the increased death rate. Couple these factors with alcohol use and the picture is way more uncomfortable.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services children become curious and some try drinking as early as 9 years old. Before age 9, children typically view drinking negatively. Between the ages of 9 and 13, they start to view alcohol more positively. Children at this age become more aware of the drinking behavior of their parents and other adults.

Conversation is often more effective before children start drinking. They often start asking questions about alcohol. The reason most children choose not to drink is because their parents talked to them about it.  When you talk to them directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol use. Children who start drinking at a young age are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life.

Children who begin drinking before age 15 are seven times more likely to abuse alcohol or to have alcohol problems as adults. By starting a conversation about alcohol early, you can stop them from making a decision that could potentially harm their health and future. The chances that children will use alcohol increases as they get older.

Studies report that around 10% of 12-year-olds say they’ve tried alcohol, but by age 15 that number jumps to 50%. The sooner you talk to your child about alcohol, the greater chance you have of impacting his or her decisions about drinking. If you don’t talk about it, you’re saying something. What you say to your child about alcohol use is up to you. But remember, if you don’t say anything to your child about drinking, you might give the impression that underage drinking is acceptable.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney I strongly suggest that you create your action plan. Personalize a plan for talking to your child about alcohol. Visit my web site at Phillip Miller & Associates or www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov/why-talk-early.aspx to get information about how to approach this task.