The number of teenagers who drink and drive has decreased by more than 50 percent, according to findings in a recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study found that one out of 10 teenagers have driven after drinking alcohol. That means that 2.4 million teens drive under the influence each month, reports AutoBlog. Those statistics may seem high, but the number does represent a decline of more than 50 percent over the past 20 years.
This decrease may be the result of a number of factors. Parents and peer groups play an integral role in educating teens about the risks behind drunk driving and other dangerous behaviors. This knowledge, combined with new laws such as the graduated drivers' license, can help keep the roads safe for everyone.
Despite this positive news, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Even without alcohol, teen drivers are at a higher risk for accidents than other age groups. In order to prevent car accidents, all vehicles should be given regular scheduled maintenance and a basic tune up to ensure that the automobile is in good condition.