Stop underage drinking during the holidays

Preparing for the holidays is a fun, but hectic time of year. With all the pre-Christmas preparations and so much coming at us, it's easy to lose focus on a danger lurking underneath the surface. That danger is underage drinking.

We're not trying to be melodramatic. Such a joyful time can quickly turn into tragedy with one poor choice, or a series of bad choices.

Crammed schedules and holiday get-togethers provide opportunities for kids to sample alcohol bought for an adult gathering. Parents are distracted because they're entertaining guests and juggling several responsibilities. We all know the festivities provide more temptations to youth.

In December 2012, 830 people nationwide died in crashes involving a drunk driver, according to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) website.

Twenty-three percent of teens report they've driven under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs, according to research from Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Liberty Mutual Insurance. To help save lives, MADD recommends partygoers plan ahead to get home safely, use a taxi and call a sober friend or family member.

MADD also advises people to look out for friends and family by not allowing an impaired person to drive.

Wearing a seat belt, driving carefully and calling 911 to report drunk drivers are ways to stay safe.

Because of the increased holiday traffic and DUIs, December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. We can certainly see why, with so much holiday activity.

It's important to celebrate the holidays, but equally important to monitor the amount of alcohol entering and leaving your home.

Peer pressure to enjoy the festivities is also present among youth. You may want to check your child's water bottles and backpacks because they present another way to transport alcohol.

If you do chose to have a party and serve alcohol, MADD suggests the following tips:

• Plan activities like party games or door prize drawings that do not involve alcohol and engage people;
• Do not push drinks on guests;
• Serve food to keep guests from drinking on an empty stomach;
• Avoid too many salty snacks because they make people thirsty and drink more;
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails for non-drinking designated drivers and others who do not drink alcohol;
• Do not serve alcohol to someone younger than 21 and do not ask a minor to serve alcohol at parties;
• Keep the number of a taxi service handy for guests who can't drive safely;
• Party hosts should stay within their limits to ensure guests stay within theirs.

Another step some parents have taken is a "Parent-Teen Driving Agreement," as found online at www.cdc.gov/ParentsAreTheKey/pdf/Parent_Teen_Driving_Agreement-a.pdf. This agreement appears helpful and details how a teen will obey the rules of the road, stay focused on driving, follow laws about drugs and alcohol, and be a responsible driver.Penalties for breaking the terms of the contract are also spelled out.

We recommend such an agreement because it's the right step in getting everyone on the same page.

Outside the home, please slow down, drive defensively and remain focused on safety. You just might save a life.

- Editorial Board