Teens Driving Teens: Alcohol Adds to the Risk

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds.1 In 2007, 31% of young drivers (ages 15-20) killed in car crashes had consumed alcohol prior to driving. Teens are at risk both from driving under the influence of alcohol and from riding with drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. In a national study, 30% of high school seniors reported that on at least one occasion in the last two weeks they had either driven under the influence of alcohol or ridden in a vehicle whose driver had consumed alcohol. In Linn County 5% of 8th graders and 10% of 11th graders report riding, at least once in the past 30 days, in a vehicle driven by a teenager who had been drinking.

Learn more in the current issue of Linn Facts.

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Alcohol is the #1 drug problem among Linn County Youth

3 in 10 Linn County 8th graders report drinking alcohol. Underage Drinking in Linn County

Kids who drink start early. Of Linn County kids who do drink, the average age of initiation is 12 years old (middle school). Linn County Youth Are Drinking Earlier In Oregon, more than one out of twenty youth ages 12 to 17 suffers from alcohol abuse or dependence. Alcohol Consumption and Consequences in Oregon

Where do youth obtain alcohol? In Linn County, one of the primary sources for obtaining alcohol by youth is from friends and at parties. Even if your child does not drink alcohol, chances they are in contact with a child who does. Where Linn County Youth Obtain Alcohol

Monitoring Your Kids’ Activities Can Prevent Underage Drinking

Parental monitoring information
10 Parental Monitoring Tips handout

Linn Together Campaign to Reduce Underage Drinking

Would your Linn County organization like to support the campaign by displaying or distributing FACT materials? Click here to submit a request for free FACT materials.