Talk To Teens About Alcohol

Warnings For Parents This Holiday

LABELLE, FL. -- Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is encouraging parents to talk to their teenagers about safe driving practices on New Year's Eve.  Attorney General McCollum emphasized the importance of having parents engage their children in conversations about the dangers of underage drinking and driving, particularly on a holiday night with potentially high numbers of intoxicated drivers.

"Young people need to know that they are responsible for their safety and only by making smart decisions can they protect themselves and potentially those around them," said Attorney General McCollum. "With an increased number of drivers on the road during the holidays, teen drivers need to be especially cautious behind the wheel and should be strongly admonished not to drink."

The Attorney General also noted that parents and adults should never provide alcohol to underage children, regardless of the situation. Underage drinking is illegal and dangerous, and when you add a vehicle to the equation, it can be deadly.

The Attorney General released the following tips for parents to encourage safety on New Year's Eve:

Make sure your child has a plan for the evening and that you know it, including where they'll be staying if they don't plan to return home.   Know all of the hot spot destinations.    Communicate with other parents, particularly the ones who may be hosting any parties your child may attend.  

Take stock of the alcohol in your home and make sure none of it is unaccounted for.  Know who is driving and encourage your children to offer to drive if they have had nothing to drink.     Encourage seatbelt use­the best accessory!   Do not rent hotel rooms for New Year's Eve partiers. If your children plan to return home for the evening, stay up and wait for them.