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In 2003 Spring break time period, over 1,400 youth under the age 21 were killed in traffic crashes. Of these 451 lost their live in alcohol related crashes.
Nearly 60% of alcohol-related fatal car crashes among teens occur during prom season. The average prom goer spends $587 each on that big night according to the Century Council.
First use of alcohol typically begins around the age 12 according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. More than 10 million Americans between ages 12 - 20 report current alcohol use according to the Century Council.
College students spend $5.5 billion on alcohol each year according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). More than they spend on soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee or school book combined.
Research continues to show that young drivers from age 15 to 20 are more often involved in alcohol-related crashes than any other comparable age group. The crash risk associated with driving after drinking across blood alcohol content (BAC) levels is higher for underage drinkers than for adults. About 30% of 15 - 20 year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking. (MADD)
College students who drink says,
- 79% drink because being drunk feels good.
- 67% says alcohol helps to forget problems they have. - 66% drink because others do it.
- 47% said they have nothing else to do.
(Survey done by MADD)
Century Council says 65% of teens report obtaining the alcohol they drink from family and friends and suggests that parents must have an open conversation about the dangers of underage drinking. Let your children know, people under the age 21 who are found to have alcohol in their system can lose their driver's license, be subjected to heavy fine or have their car permanently taken away.
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