NCJ Number
92048
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This report on teenage drinking and driving shows that the death rate among young Americans is increasing, with a primary cause being highway accidents where alcohol is the greatest contributing factor.
Abstract
In 1979, 18,000 teenagers were killed in drinking and driving-related deaths; 750,000 teenagers were disabled; and 56,000 teenagers were permanently disabled. Catherine Mackin, of ABC News, documents this national epidemic. She talks with experts, legislators, police, parents, and the victims about one of America's largest health issues. Mackin outlines four underlying causes of drinking and reckless driving among teenagers: they are new at using alcohol and do not realize the dangers associated with it; due to their age, teenagers are unskilled in the judgments they make; they are inexperienced with alcohol and driving; and teenagers frequently drive at night when there is a greater danger of accidents. Police say that the chances of being arrested when drunk are only 1 in 2,000. They feel that penalties are not strong enough. To break the circle of failure when legislators do not act, courts do not convict, and some parents do not care, citizens must come together to force change. Concerned parents are organizing and speaking out, forming groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers). They are applying pressure on legislators to change, enforce, and strengthen drunk driving laws. For more information, write: MADD, 5330 Primrose, Suite 146, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 or call: 916-966-MADD. A discussion guide accompanies the film. (Author abstract modified)