State Patrol tells teens to stay sober

Wisconsin State Patrol warns young people of the dangers of impaired driving.

There’s some good news on that front: The percentage of high schoolers who drink alcohol has dropped in the last 10 years. The bad news? Wisconsin is still one of the highest in the nation for underage alcohol consumption.

State Patrol Superintendent Anthony Burrell asks parents to have serious talks with their teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. What’s more, they still face DUI penalties if caught. In fact, underage drinkers face additional penalties under Wisconsin law. Punishments may include the loss of their driver’s license, attorney fees, court costs, numerous fines and insurance rate increases. Teens may also lose college acceptances and scholarships, as well as the ability to participate in school clubs or athletics, if they are busted for drunken behavior.

According to data, teens are at a higher risk than older adults for accidents if they drink and drive. Even blood alcohol levels that would be legal for adults can have detrimental impacts on the teen mind. Teenagers are also the most likely demographic to die in alcohol-related crashes. According to crash data, 16 percent of youth ages 15 to 18 involved in 2018 collisions had been drinking.

“In Wisconsin, our goal is zero,” Burrell said. “Zero teens drinking and driving, and zero preventable deaths on Wisconsin roads. Let’s make this a safe and sober summer.”