Driving under the influence (DUI) can ruin your child's life in more ways than one. Parents have a big role to play in preventing drunk driving in teenagers. Here are some tips you can use to help your kids avoid drunk driving.

Explain DUI Dangers

The first thing is to explain to the kids the dangers associated with impaired driving. Explain how intoxication impairs judgment, reduces reaction time, and impairs vision, among other things. You also need to explain the legal dangers of DUI and the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction. For example, a DUI conviction can affect a child's future career, education, and even auto insurance rates.

Set and Enforce Strict Rules

Human beings are prone to error, which is why every society has its own rules. Set up rules for your kids against drunk driving and enforce them to the letter. After all, rules are only as good as their enforcement. For example, if the rule says anyone who tries to drink while intoxicated loses driving privileges for some time, ensure the rule-breakers suffer the consequences of their actions.

Set a Good Example

Many children see how their parents behave and don't stray too much from their parent's behavior. Therefore, it is best for you to practice what you preach. If you drink and drive and your children know about it, then you shouldn't be surprised if the kids drink and drive too.

Monitor Your Child

You cannot rely on your kids to make good judgment all the time, even if you have explained the dangers of DUI and set a good example for them. The inherent recklessness of kids, peer pressure, and other factors can still cause your child to drink and drive. Therefore, monitor your child's activities so that you can step in before they make a mistake and drive while intoxicated. For example, you should know when your kids are at a party where alcohol is served so that you can provide them with alternative means of transportation after the party.

Create Safety Nets for Special Occasions

Lastly, it also helps to step in and provide a safety net in case a child drinks and is tempted to drive. For example, you can volunteer to be a designated driver during parties, you can liaise with other parents, so the children always have a chaperone, and you can hire a car for your teenagers to use on group outings.

If your child gets arrested for DUI despite your best efforts, you want them to have the best lawyer possible. A DUI conviction has long-term consequences, and it's in your best interest to have the child avoid them. Reach out to a resource like Kevin T Conway Esq Pc to get started.