A Conversation Starter from the Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol

Here is a monthly conversation starter from the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol. Start a dialogue by asking your kids...

Q: Why is it dangerous to drive a car after consuming alcohol?

A: Alcohol consumption by minors, even in small quantities, leads to impaired coordination, slowing of reflexes, and impaired judgment. These effects can be deadly when an intoxicated teen is behind the wheel of a car. Alcohol use is responsible for significant mortality among youth. Alcohol is implicated in a majority of teen driving fatalities. 25% of drivers ages 15-20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking alcohol.

The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol is a community action group comprised of parents, students, teachers, school administrators; representatives from village, local and civic organizations; and religious institutions. Since its founding in 1984, the Task Force has worked in our community to educate youth and adults about drugs and alcohol, help people develop drug free attitudes and habits, and recommend resources to those whose lives are affected by drug and alcohol dependency.