Alteration of Adolescent DUI (Driving Under the Influence) - A Macro Level Approach (From Drunk Driving in America, P 153-162, 1986, Stephen K Valle, ed. - See NCJ-104432)

• NCJ Number: 104443
• Author(s): J S Wodarski; A P Fisher
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Families, schools, peers, communities, businesses, and the media all possess the power to eliminate the growing social problem of alcohol consumption and driving among teenagers and need to undertake combined, cooperative efforts on this issue.

Abstract

Arrests for alcohol-impaired driving among youths aged 18 and under increased by 236 percent between 1971 and 1980. Substantial proportions of youths are current alcohol users, and the incidence is distributed evenly among urban and rural areas. Prevention programs have had limited effects because they have focused only on certain aspects of the problem. Schools are where youth spend the majority of their lives. They can be instrumental in educating both adolescents and their parents. Programs need to include activities that enrich the personal development of the student. Educators must also aim to make teenagers more confident and less influenced by peer pressure. Parents need to become aware of their influence as role models. They must also communicate clear expectations and maintain ultimate control regarding alcohol and driving. The media can exert a powerful positive influence also. Community coalitions made up of businesses, voluntary organizations, churches and synagogues, universities, tax-supported agencies, health care facilities, and civic organizations can change standards of acceptance of drinking and driving. Changes in laws and policies can also produce social change. Business and industry can foster positive attitudes through advertisements as well. 27 references.