Persons of any age group can suffer terrible repercussions as a result of charges for drinking and driving. However, underage drivers, who are not allowed to drink at all, and who have not yet started to establish their life in the outside world, often suffer the most. Life-altering and far-reaching effects may result.

Young people need to be aware of how driving while intoxicated while underage can affect their future, or if you’re a parent, how it might affect your child. 

Statistics on Underage Drinking and Driving 

Even though it is against the law for anybody under 21 to consume alcohol in the US, many young people do. People between the ages of 12 and 20 consume 10% of all alcohol in the country, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.  

However, young people don’t only drink. If they are able to drive, they are more likely to do so after drinking than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that high school students drive under the influence of alcohol about 2.4 million times a month and that these drivers are 17 percent more likely to have a fatal accident as a result. 

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes an increase in fatal incidents involving drivers between the ages of 16 and 20. 

Types of Injuries 

Young individuals who are involved in accidents after drinking have a higher risk of suffering serious injuries. In addition to the fact that drinking impairs their thinking and behaviors, the lack of life experience also decreases their likelihood of making wise decisions. 

An underage DUI may result in a variety of injuries, such as: 

• Trauma to the head that cause brain damage 
• Whiplash 
• Neck wounds 
• Damage to the spinal cord that may cause paralysis or limited movement 
• Bone fractures 
• Significant wounds 
• Nerve injury 

These wounds may result in persistent pain, restricted movement or functioning, and other problems that will reduce your quality of life or impair your ability to accomplish certain things. 

Repercussions of Underage DUI 

A minor driving under the influence can have severe physical, legal, social, and other repercussions. The first consequence of a DUI conviction for a minor is a criminal record. That implies that conviction will show up and make it more difficult to be accepted every time that individual applies for a job, an internship, a scholarship, a volunteer position, or any other program. Due to that conviction, the individual will likely be refused admission to the college of their choosing or lose the chance to receive financial aid for their study, among other chances. 

In addition to these penalties, a DUI conviction may result in jail time, hefty fines, the installation of an ignition interlock device, mandatory alcohol treatment/therapy, probation, and loss of driving privileges for one year. Loss of driving privileges for a young adult can create barriers to the minor in obtaining/maintaining employment, recreation, and family assistance. All of these effects might lead to major issues for the young adult, from scheduling conflicts to social issues to missed life opportunities. 

Contact Rising Phoenix Law Group now, and we’ll determine the best course of action for your child to defend against the accusations made against him. No matter the age, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in defending against DUI charges, but we are also fully aware of the severe consequences a DUI conviction may have on a minor’s life and future.