Summer is here: Time to warn teens about drunk driving

School is out for most high school and college students in Connecticut. While the summer months are a favorite among young people, they can also be the most dangerous when it comes to fatal car accidents, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

In fact, MADD reports that the number of teen drivers killed in car accidents increased by nearly 20 percent during June and July of 2012, which amounted to 374 young lives lost in the United States.

Additionally, while many young people see the end of the school year as a time to party, alcohol plays a factor in many fatal car accidents involving young drivers.

According to MADD, there were 1,875 young drivers killed in car accidents in 2012, and 28 percent of the teens had alcohol in their systems.

Because of the risks associated with drunk driving among teens, especially during the summer months, now is a great time to talk to young drivers about how to stay safe.

Additionally, young drivers should know that they can face criminal and civil liability if they choose to get behind the wheel after drinking and then go on to cause a car accident.

Our firm represents families who have lost loved ones in drunk driving accidents, so we understand the magnitude of this problem. Drunk driving accidents change the lives of everyone involved, including the victims, the drivers and their families. That’s why drunk driving is absolutely not a risk worth taking.

Summer is here. It’s time to talk to your young driver about the risks associated with drunk driving before it’s too late.