Underage drinking and driving is dangerous. In Delaware in 2008, there were 2 minors under age 21 killed in DUI crashes (one was a 19 year old drinking driver!) and another 129 injured. Not only is drinking and driving underage physically harmful, it is also against the law. The Zero Tolerance Law states that anyone under the age of 21 who operates any vehicle while consuming or having consumed any amount of alcohol will be arrested. Delaware takes underage drinking violations very seriously and so should you – the penalties for violating will cost you.

In April of 2009 Governor Jack Markell helped OHS launch its 2009 Underage Drinking campaign. The campaign involves three phases: 1) a week of enforcement in April, 2) Education in May which included mailing materials such as posters, brochures and incentive items to high schools and placing billboards with underage drinking prevention messages placed near high schools around prom time and 3) Enforcement of underage drinking laws in June along with the airing of a Public Service Announcement on the dangers of underage drinking recorded by Governor Markell.

To hear that Public Service Announcement (PSA), click the play button below... Information on Delaware Underage Driving Laws: Underage Drinking Brochure Underage Drinking & Driving Flyer Underage Drinking & Driving Fact or Fiction

There are resources listed below that can help parents talk to their children/young adults about alcohol. Starting the conversations early is critical to keeping them safe. Also remember to be a role model. Children learn much of their behavior from their parents. Driving Skills for Life Resources for Parents Stop Alcohol Abuse Alcohol Screening Test Novice Driver’s Road Map- Parent’s GuidetoSurvivingTeenDriving MADD Program Information for Parent’s & Teens