Parenting Behaviours and their Impact on Adolescent Drunk and Drugged Driving USA

Demetris Speyer^*
*Correspondence: Demetris Speyer, Department of Population Health, University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA, Email:

Introduction

Adolescent drunk and drugged driving represents one of the most significant public health concerns in the United States, with wide-ranging consequences for the well-being of young individuals, their families, and society at large. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, with alcohol and drugs contributing significantly to these fatal accidents. While many factors contribute to adolescent risk-taking behaviors, one of the most influential determinants is the role of parenting behaviors. Parents serve as primary role models during the formative years of a teenager's life, shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes. In particular, parental supervision, communication, and modeling of safe behaviors can profoundly impact adolescentsâ?? likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors like drunk and drugged driving. Recent studies have highlighted the complex interactions between family dynamics, adolescent development, and risk-taking behavior, showing that parenting practices, both directly and indirectly, play a pivotal role in mitigating or exacerbating adolescents' involvement in impaired driving incidents. Between 2016 and 2019, various research studies explored how specific parenting behaviors, such as setting clear rules, maintaining open lines of communication, modeling responsible drinking and driving behaviors, and monitoring social activities, influence adolescent decision-making related to substance use and driving [1].

Description

The relationship between parenting behaviors and adolescent involvement in drunk and drugged driving is multifaceted and deeply rooted in family dynamics, societal norms, and individual adolescent development. Research spanning the years 2016â??2019 suggests that parental monitoring and supervision are among the most significant factors in preventing risky behaviors, including impaired driving. Adolescents whose parents are highly engaged in their lives, setting clear expectations, enforcing boundaries, and maintaining open communication, are less likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, including alcohol and drug use. Effective monitoring includes being aware of the adolescent's social circles, knowing where they are, and what they are doing, particularly on weekends and evenings when risky behaviors tend to peak. This period marks a critical window for understanding the evolving role of parents in the digital age, where the influence of technology and social media complicates traditional forms of parenting. Additionally, it is essential to consider how socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors shape these parenting behaviors, as disparities in access to resources and education can affect how effective parents are in preventing their children from engaging in dangerous behaviors [2]. This paper delves into the influence of parenting behaviors on adolescent drunk and drugged driving between 2016 and 2019, exploring how positive and negative parental influences contribute to adolescent risk-taking and how effective parenting interventions can reduce impaired driving among young people. Additionally, parental attitudes toward drinking and driving significantly influence adolescents' attitudes and behaviors. Parents who model responsible behavior, such as not driving after drinking or using drugs, provide a tangible example for adolescents to follow. Conversely, if parents engage in unsafe behaviors, it creates a problematic message for adolescents, suggesting that these behaviors are acceptable. The modeling of safe driving behaviors, along with discussions about the consequences of impaired driving, are critical in shaping the adolescent's decision-making process. One of the key findings in studies from 2016 to 2019 is the role of communication between parents and adolescents. Open communication about alcohol and drugs, as well as the potential consequences of impaired driving, is a preventive measure. Adolescents, who feel comfortable discussing their challenges, including peer pressure or drug experimentation, are more likely to make informed decisions and seek guidance when faced with situations that could lead to dangerous driving [3]. Family dinner time, where open discussions can take place, has been identified as a valuable setting for promoting dialogue and understanding. Parents who foster an environment of trust and non-judgmental support are better positioned to steer their adolescents away from risky behaviors. However, it is important to note that not all parenting behaviors have a uniform effect on adolescents. The parent-child relationship quality, including authoritative parenting, which involves a balance of warmth and structure, tends to produce the best outcomes in terms of reducing adolescent risky behaviors. Authoritative parents set clear expectations while also providing support and warmth, leading to adolescents who feel both secure and guided. In contrast, authoritarian parenting characterized by strict rules without emotional support can lead to rebellion and defiance in adolescents, potentially increasing their likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as drunk and drugged driving. Similarly, permissive parenting, where parents are overly lenient and avoid setting firm boundaries, often results in adolescents who are less likely to take the risks of impaired driving seriously [4]. Another significant factor that influences adolescent drunk and drugged driving behaviors is peer influence. The period from 2016 to 2019 has shown that peer pressure is a strong determinant in adolescent decision-making. Adolescents are more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs if they are in a social context where their peers are doing the same. Parental influence can counterbalance peer pressure by instilling strong values, providing safe alternatives (such as driving the adolescent to events or allowing them to call for a ride), and maintaining open lines of communication so that adolescents feel supported when resisting peer pressure. However, some barriers to effective parenting in the context of impaired driving prevention remain. Socioeconomic disparities, such as poverty and lack of access to quality education, can limit parents' ability to engage in effective parenting practices. Parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional stressors, such as long working hours that reduce their ability to supervise their children adequately. Furthermore, some adolescents may be exposed to unsafe behaviors through social media and digital platforms, which complicates the traditional dynamics of parental influence [5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of parenting behaviors in influencing adolescent drunk and drugged driving cannot be overstated. Parenting plays a critical role in shaping adolescent attitudes toward alcohol, drugs, and driving, and can either mitigate or exacerbate the risk of impaired driving. Positive parenting behaviors such as consistent monitoring, open communication, modeling safe behaviors, and fostering a supportive relationship are associated with lower rates of adolescent involvement in impaired driving. On the other hand, negative parenting styles, such as lack of supervision or failure to communicate effectively about substance use and its consequences, can increase the likelihood of risky behaviors. Over the 2016â??2019 period, numerous studies have highlighted the importance of family dynamics in the prevention of adolescent impaired driving, underscoring the need for tailored interventions that support parents in fostering healthy, safe environments for their children.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict Of Interest

None.

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