It’s the season for graduations and so it’s time to start reminding all to make safe celebrating a top priority. Motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for U.S. teens and parents can play a pivotal role in reducing risky behavior. “With a diploma in hand, some parents may think it is pointless to talk to their child about being safe, including impaired driving,” shares Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “But as your child and their friends celebrate and enjoy their last summer before their next big step, parents can and should talk about the impacts of alcohol and drugs on a driver’s judgment, reaction time and coordination.” Col. Packard emphasized that in addition to educating them on examples of what has happened in those tragic situations and why they should not engage in risky behavior, it is also important to let your teen know they can text or call you for a ride home in any situation.
