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TO HELP KEEP THEIR TEEN DRIVER MARIJUANA-FREE
Teens get their drivers' licenses at a risky time in their lives. Teens already have the highest crash risk of any age group, making collisions the leading cause of death for young people age 15–20. Driving-age teens are also four times more likely to use marijuana than younger adolescents.
Combining drug use with teens' inexperience on the road and risk-taking is a recipe for disaster. New research shows that approximately one in six high school seniors report driving under the influence of marijuana, about the same number as alcohol. In 2001, an estimated 38,000 high school seniors in the U.S. crashed after driving under the influence of marijuana.
So, how can you help your teen Steer Clear of Pot? Here is a list of simple things parents can do and say to help prevent their teens from using marijuana and keep them safe on the road.
- Know the Facts: Marijuana is more harmful than many parents and teens think. Take time to learn the facts about marijuana and talk to your teen about its harmful health, social, learning and mental effects on young users.
- Set Rules: Let your child know that marijuana use is unacceptable. Two-thirds of kids say that upsetting their parents or losing the respect of family and friends is one of the main reasons they don't smoke marijuana or use other drugs. Also, set limits on driving, especially in high-risk conditions such as at night, with other teen passengers and in poor weather conditions. Limit your teen from riding with other new drivers, and make sure they never get in a car with a teen driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
- Monitor Your Teen: Know where your teen is and who he or she is with. Get to know your teen's friends and their friends' parents. Car crashes are one-seventh as likely to occur among teens with strong parental monitoring.
- Stay Alert: Warning signs of teen drug use include distance from family and friends, lack of interest in personal appearance, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or trouble in school.
- Encourage Participation in Constructive Activities: Encourage your teen to participate in after-school activities. Research shows that teens who are involved in constructive, adult-supervised activities are less likely to use drugs.
- Celebrate Success: Praise and reward good driving and drug-free behavior. Enjoy time together as a family.
For more information on marijuana and driving safety, visit www.theantidrug.com/teendriving. The site also offers a free teen driving kit and on-line quiz for parents. The kit can also be ordered by calling 1–800–788–2800.
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