Fort Myers DUI Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has seen the devastation that is caused by drunk and/or drugged drivers in Southwest Florida. He and his legal team encourage everyone to participate in the 2023 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), by sharing facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction during its week-long observance – March 20 – 26 with teens. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) says that about a quarter of car crashes with teens involve an underage drinking driver. 95 percent of the 14 million people who are alcohol dependent began drinking before the legal age of 21. We are taking this time to discuss teens and what their parents or guardians can do to help keep them safe from drunk/drugged driving.

For Parents and Guardians

The Child Mind Institute (CMI) encourages parents and guardians to speak with their teens about substance abuse during their adolescence, which is when they are beginning to establish their identities. CMI says teens need structure to stay safe. There is no guarantee that teens will follow all the rules parents or guardians set. However, CMI research shows that teens who have clear rules are less likely to get into serious trouble.

Here are 6 steps from CMI in discussing alcohol and drugs with your teen:

1. Plan to have the talk – Let the teen know ahead of time that you will be having this discussion, so they do not feel ambushed and defensive.
2. Spell out the rules – Clearly spell out the rules and the repercussions if they are broken.
3. Explain your reasons – Be honest and rational with your teen. Often, they are given rules without reasons. Encourage your teen to have an open and adult conversation about substance abuse.
4. Obey the “Golden Rule” – Speak with your teens the way you would like to be spoken to. They are acutely sensitive to condescension. Treat them like the adults you want them to become.
5. Let them speak – Give them a chance to express their concerns and feelings and ask questions.
6. Conditional amnesty – Teens should have an “amnesty policy.” This policy allows the teen to ask for help without incurring regular repercussions. This encourages them to make appropriate choices without letting them off the hook.

Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. provides everyone with a Safe Driving Pledge. This pledge covers driving and substance abuse, along with other unsafe driving practices. You can download this pledge and use it in your conversations with your teen. Safe Driving Pledge

For Teens

As part of this week’s observance, NIDA reminds teens of the National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge. This challenge tests teens' knowledge about drugs and their use. There are related interactive lessons from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge. You may access this quiz here: National Drug IQ Challenge.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Randall Spivey, Fort Myers DUI accident lawyer. “Here is what one of our clients said about working with our personal injury legal team.”

Words can’t express how thankful I am that I found Spivey Law firm! After my accident, I was lost and scared. I didn’t trust anybody. Spivey Law asked me to trust them. They were with me every step of the way. Communication was there constantly, and it made it so much better for me. Definitely 5 stars in my book. - DELMA