Regular readers of this blog probably realize that I often present information on ‘all-things driving-related’ that have been considered by research groups (university and other) around the country. Such is the case of a recent study conducted by the University of Florida College of Medicine concerning the drinking habits of parents and its impact on children.
Over ten thousand teens and parents were included in the study that spanned nearly a decade. The findings were unsettling for those who like to believe their limited drinking has little effect on their children. Unfortunately, according to the published report, children whose parents drink in moderation in the home are still more likely to drink and drive than children who do not witness their parents drinking alcohol at all. According to the statistics – nearly 6 percent of teens whose parents drank only occasionally while they were growing up were inclined to drink and drive at the age of 21 while 2 percent would do so if their parents had never drank in front of their children.
It is probably no surprise that the influence of peer behavior was determined to be even more profound. Teens with friends that drink alcohol, the researchers revealed, are more likely to drive under the influence — even when their parents do not drink at home. According to the results of the study “teens with friends that drink alcohol are more likely to drive under the influence — even when their parents do not drink at home and when both their parents and their friends drink alcohol, teens seem to be at particularly high risk”. In that case, nearly “11 percent of these teens were later found to drive under the influence during their 20s”.
Your behavior as a parent has an impact on your child’s future.
Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Texas accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm toll free at 1-866-758-4529.
