TEENS, PARENTS & DRIVING

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration just released a report that may influence the way some parents drive.  Read more at the link below.

SAMHSA News Release

Date: 12/6/2011 12:05 AM
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
Telephone: 240-276-2130

New report shows that adolescents are far more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs if they live with a parent that drives under the influence

http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1112050724.aspx

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY

The New Tradition Coalition wants to remind you to celebrate your Independence responsibly-

If you're hosting a party where alcohol is served, make sure to do so responsibly. Some things to keep in mind are:

• Line-up designated drivers or make sleeping accommodations for your guests who are drinking.
• Be sure to serve plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.
• Serve enough substantive food. Consumption of food will help absorb alcohol. 
• Stop serving alcohol at a set time. This will give guests a chance to sober up. 
• If your guests are intoxicated -- take away the keys. If you let someone leave your home after they've had too much to drink, you could be held responsible if they hurt themselves or someone else.
• Don't serve to minors. It's illegal, dangerous and irresponsible.   

If you're doing some traveling, here are a few tips:

• Whenever you plan on using alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person the keys.
• If you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement. 
• Wearing your safety belt or if you're riding a motorcycle, make sure to wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• While traveling to and from celebrations on your motorcycle, remember to make yourself visible and ride your motorcycle where you can be seen to avoid a crash. 
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

KANSAS LAWS DUI & FAKE ID'S

Besides the obvious consequences that drinking and driving pose, minors may not know the legal consequences of drinking and driving. Fake ID's are easy to get in Lawrence. Many 21 year olds lend their duplicate ID's to friends. Parents, you can print this brochure and share the Kansas laws with your teens. They may be misinformed about blood alcohol content, penalties for BORROWED OR FAKE ID'S, drunk driving penalties and costs. Here's the scoop:
http://www.ktsro.org/images/DUIBrochureEnglish.pdf

VOTE & SUPPORT BONNER SPRINGS SADD CHAPTER TODAY!

Help support the Bonner Springs High School SADD Chapter. They have submitted a video for the Act Out loud Competition. Go to www.actoutloud.org and vote for Bonner Springs SADD once, every day until May 21. $10,000 is on the line!

Act Out Loud is a teen-led movement to take on the No. 1 killer of teens -- car crashes. It's time to raise your voice against distracted driving in your community. Support KS SADD and vote for Bonner Springs! Only four days left to vote, including today. http://www.actoutloud.org/#/home