Underage DUI 

Drinking and driving is a deadly combination. In just 2021, more than 13,000 Americans were killed in impaired driving crashes. For teens and underage drivers, driving under the influence is even more dangerous. According to the NHTSA, car crashes are the “leading cause of death for teens, and nearly a quarter of fatal crashes involve an underage drinking driver.”

If you are a parent of a young driver, it is important to have an open and honest conversation about drinking and driving, the zero tolerance law, and what they can do to be safe. To speak to a car accident attorney, call our Irvine car accident law firm at (949) 529-2552. 

The Dangers of Underage Drinking 

An underage DUI is a serious issue affecting teens in the U.S. Not only is it illegal, but it can also have severe and lasting consequences for a teen’s health, safety, and well-being. It can interfere with normal brain development and increase the risk of alcohol abuse later in life. 

While alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people, substance abuse can also be from illicit drugs, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicine. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which takes place every December, the focus is centered on impaired driving and its deadly outcome on holidays like Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. 

Underage DUI Laws and Zero Tolerance Laws

For drivers under 21, it is illegal to drive with any alcohol in their system under zero tolerance laws. All 50 states and Washington D.C. follow these strict laws, along with setting the minimum drinking age to 21. These laws have helped save thousands of lives. 

In California, the DUI laws apply to both alcohol and drugs. According to the California DMV, the DUI law for drivers under 21 is as follows:

• No alcohol beverage is allowed inside a vehicle unless an individual who is 21 or older is present. If you’re pulled over with alcohol in your vehicle, law enforcement can impound your vehicle for 30 days, you may receive a fine, and your driver’s license may be suspended. 
• If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, an officer can require a breathalyzer test, a preliminary alcohol screening test (PAS), or another chemical test.
• If you receive a DUI conviction with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01% or higher, the DMV may revoke your driving privilege for one year. You may also be required to complete a mandatory alcohol education program. 

California’s DUI law extends beyond operating a motor vehicle. You can also be charged with a DUI while operating a standard bicycle or e-bike. 

What Parents Can Do To Educate Their Teens 

If you are a parent to a teen or young adult under 21, it is important to set realistic guidelines and expectations. An underage DUI charge is a serious offense and can affect your teen’s future. Here is what you can do to protect them:

Have a conversation with them 

Let your teen know that they cannot drink alcohol at all, especially if they plan to drive. Explain to them the serious consequences of impaired driving, such as criminal penalties, injuries, or death. Use facts and statistics to back up your points and listen to their questions and concerns.  Have them sign a contract with you stating they will never drink and drive. Students Against Drunk Driving provides a free online contract that parents can download.

Set curfews

Curfews reduce the risk of teens getting into trouble or engaging in risky behaviors at night. Set reasonable curfews with your teen if they plan on going out with friends, and enforce them consistently. Allow leeway on special occasions, such as prom or graduation night. Have a consequence set in place in case your teen violates the curfew. 

No liquor in the house

You can eliminate many cases of underage DUI by not making liquor available at home or locking your supply. As a parent, you must set a good example for your teen. Do not drink excessively or make jokes about drinking. Ensure your teen’s friends abide by similar rules. 

Coordinate a driving plan with other parents

Talk to the parents of your teen’s friends to coordinate a driving plan or carpool system. If there are events coming up, make sure you know that your teen has a safe ride home from a responsible adult. This can reduce the risk of underage drunk drivers and ensure your teen’s safety. 

Discover more resources 

There are countless resources out there for parents and teens on the dangers of drunk driving, safety tips, and more. The CDC, NHTSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the California Department of Public Health are all great free resources to check out. 

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney  

If your teen was involved in a drunk driving accident or you were involved in an accident with a drunk driver, call The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. Our Irvine car accident lawyer has successfully recovered over $300 million in settlements for injured victims of motor vehicle accidents in Orange County and Los Angeles County. We work around the clock to prevent the insurance company from deceiving our clients. 

Our personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee, meaning we do not collect any upfront legal fees upon signing a client. If we win a settlement for you, we will take a percentage of the settlement amount. If we do not win, you pay nothing. Talk to us in a free consultation today by calling us at (949) 529-2552 or visiting our website.