Teenage Drunk Driving And Car Accidents In Buffalo, New York

According to a Youth Risk Behavior Survey, over a thirty day period:

1. 30% of high school students admitted to consuming alcohol to some degree;
2. 17% were passengers in a car being driven by someone under the influence of alcohol; and
3. 6% consumed alcohol before driving.

These statistics show a startlingly irresponsible attitude towards drinking and driving among teenagers in the United States and a disregard for the New York State underage drinking laws. For a teenager, the negative impact of alcohol consumption on their lives can extend far beyond poor grades in the classroom. Too often, the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol are catastrophic.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. recognizes that accidents caused by drunk driving are life-changing events. For over twenty years, he has represented countless clients in personal injury cases and is exceptionally qualified to represent you and your loved ones. Call us today at 716-839-3939 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation. Remember, you will never be charged a fee until we secure a win for you!

In New York State, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. Article 5, section 65-B, of the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, states that anyone under the age of twenty-one is not permitted to possess alcohol unless it is:

1. A requirement of a state education department registered curriculum and is being used for educational purposes; or
2. The alcoholic beverage was given by the parent or guardian of the underage individual.

Although it is permissible for a parent or guardian to provide alcohol to their child or ward, they are not allowed to give alcohol to anyone else who is under the age of 21. Any individual caught in violation of these laws is subject to arrest. It is illegal for anyone, regardless of their age, to drive while intoxicated.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has been operating throughout Buffalo, New York, for over a decade. In that period, our firm has represented countless personal injury victims. If you seek a team of dedicated, hardworking, and skilled lawyers to represent you, the Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., is your top choice. For more information on how we might best represent you, call us today at 716-839-3939 or visit us online.

For underage drinkers, two factors drastically increase their chances of causing or being involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol: experience and tolerance. Underage drinkers are the least experienced drinkers. In a report on college drinking, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism commented that “drinking at college has become a ritual that students often see as an integral part of their higher education experience.”

Teens and college students are often pressured into alcohol consumption by the social expectations of their peers. For many of these individuals, they have little to no previous experience drinking and, as a result, are unaware of how to engage in it safely. Hand in hand with experience goes alcohol tolerance. The more an individual drinks, or the more experience an individual has with drinking, the greater their awareness of the appropriate amount of alcohol to consume.

This combination of drinking inexperience and ignorance of personal tolerance levels can lead to impaired decision making. In college, particularly where students will drive from their apartments or dorm rooms to attend parties, there is an increased likelihood that they will drive while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol consumption impairs reaction time. Every year, roughly 1,800 students are involved in fatal alcohol-related injuries. Most of these fatalities involve motor vehicle accidents.

In the event of a teen driver drunk driving accident, it is always prudent to seek expert help from a personal injury attorney. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has represented dozens of clients in motor vehicle accident cases over the years and will be able to provide you with the best guidance and appropriate action steps to take. Call us today at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation.

The list of the negative side effects of alcohol consumption on teenagers reads like a parent’s worst nightmare. Aftereffects like issues in school, increased odds for poor or failing grades, problems with peers, potential legal troubles, a greater risk that physical or sexual assault might occur, and of course, an increased chance of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. Every parent wants the best for their child. They want to keep them safe. Unfortunately, as the parent of any teen can attest, teenagers often fight against authority, no matter the intentions behind the rules. The best a parent can do is to ensure their child receives the best safety education and trust that their child will take the warnings to heart. Take the time to teach your teenager about the potential dangers of alcohol consumption and help them to understand how to keep themselves and their friends safe.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!