New survey says drinking and driving in teenagers has decreased in the last 20 years

Posted at: 10/02/2012 10:33 PM | Updated at: 10/02/2012 11:20 PM
By: Don Hudson | WHEC.com

It appears teenagers are just saying no when it comes to drinking and driving.

A new survey says that in the past 20 years, drinking and driving has dropped 54% for teenagers.

On Tuesday night, News10NBC caught up with teenagers at a high school soccer match. They were not surprised by the survey.

While they admit teenagers still drink. They say most are so aware of the consequences of drinking and driving, many don't even think about it.

Some things never change when it comes to high school and teenagers.

Sports, like playing a soccer match at Brighton High, are a big deal.

However, today's teenagers are different when it comes to drinking and driving. In fact, a new survey says there has been a 54% reduction over the last two decades.

Joe Aronson, a high school student, says, "Everybody knows what's going to happen. What's going to happen to you. The consequences of it."

In a world of smart phones, social media, 500 television channels and the internet... teens are very aware.

And they all seem to know someone or know a case like Tia Gerstner, who was driving drunk a few years ago and crashed, killing Joseph Mueller. She's serving up to 7 years in prison.

Gerstner's case serves as an example to today's teen drivers like these girls from Mendon High.

Kelly Iles, a high school student, says, "I just feel were better educated today. All we talk about in health is drinking and driving, texting and driving. I feel like kids are more aware of it today."

Pete Navratil, with the Monroe County Stop DWI, is pleasantly surprised by the lower numbers of drinking and driving. 

Pete Navratil, says, "It sounds very positive. It sounds like were having an impact on the minds of young people."

He believes, unlike so many adults, a lot of teens are quick to call for help instead of taking a big risk.

Pete Navratil says, "I often hear stories of young people who say I drank too much so they call a parent or a friend to get a ride."

That's not to say teenage drinking or teenage drinking and driving doesn't happen.

Kelly Iles says, "It's obviously still an issue today."

But according to the Centers for Disease Control survey, scenes like this are decreasing because teen awareness is increasing.

Connor McMann says, a high school student, says, "There are other cases where you can mess up and you might get in trouble with your parents, but if you mess up, you're going to get in trouble and you could lose your life."

A few more details about the survey: In 1991, 22% of teens admitted to drinking and driving. Now just 10% admit to doing that.

Researchers gave credit to more awareness, but also underage drinking laws and graduated license laws.

The CDC says nearly 1 million teenagers do drink and drive. 18-year-old boys and seniors in high school are the biggest offenders.

16-year-old girls, sophomores or juniors are the least likely to do it.

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