Child Wellness: Highest risk drivers
According to the CDC, individuals age 16 to 25 are the nation’s highest risk drivers. Marcie Fraser reports.
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"Marijuana and alcohol, I would use every weekend," said Nicole Eckmann, who began drinking at 13-years-old.
You never think it will be your child doing drugs, drinking and driving - but it happens.
"When I was 15, I drove drunk. I drove with my step-father, we were both drunk at the time," said Ronny Mima, who began drinking at 12-years-old.
The leading cause of death for teenagers is car accidents.
"We are in a down ward spiral. How many more of these body bags need along the road. The last thing I want to see as a parent, to go up and identify your loved one that is in that body bag," said Ed Frank, Choices 301 president.
Ed Frank, a retired police officer who has seen way too many teenagers die in car accidents, dedicates his retirement to teaching teens the dangers of drinking and driving.
"We know that they are drinking, it doesn't have to be prom time, to me every weekend is prom time. Talk to your kids, if you are out and you are out drinking, call me," said Frank.
Seat belts reduce the risk of injuries in car accidents by fifty percent. While more people are buckling up in the front seat, there’s still a problem. Fewer people are buckling up in the back seat, especially teenagers.
It’s easy: be safe, teach your kids to buckle up, whether in the front seat or in the back.