expectations we have of each other. Together, we can break the stigma that teens are powerless to
negative peer pressure or the assumption that we cannot resist “giving in”.
Recently, when I asked peers at school their stand on underage drinking and impaired
driving for an article I was writing, the responses were similar. For the most part, many teens I
spoke to are so busy with academics and sports they don’t have time to drink. Many are not
really interested in partying or have friend groups that avoid those kinds of activities altogether.
However, there were some peers that had a different perspective.
“ It ’s not a big deal to drive if you only have one drink.”
“I had to go home… my parents would have killed me if I missed curfew. ”
“I was fine. I wasn’t even drunk.”
“My friend had one beer. He was totally okay to drive.”
If you or your friends have ever said any of these things and you’ve gotten into a car with
an impaired driver or driven anyway, then this letter is for you. Think for a second how much
your life would change if a loved one, like your mom or your best friend, was killed by an
impaired driver – by someone who said they were “fine” after a few drinks . I guarantee you
would feel differently. Your life would never be the same again.
It only takes a few simple strategies to prevent a potentially life-changing tragedy.
Implementing a plan with your friends and having the tools before you go out is an essential
component in empowering yourself with the knowledge you need to resist the urge to give in to
peer pressure. Your future depends on taking the next step and influencing your friends in
making the right choices.
1. Make a choice to never consume alcohol or other drugs under the age of 21.
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