June is National Safety Month—Here’s How You Can Help Keep Your Teen Safe
By: Lauren Edwards, Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers
June is National Safety Month, making it the perfect time for families to talk about habits and behaviors that can impact safety both on and off the road. While conversations often focus on topics like seat belts, distracted driving, and road safety, drinking and driving remains one of the most serious risks facing teens. While parents can’t control every choice their teen makes, they can strongly influence attitudes, expectations, and behaviors around alcohol and driving.
As Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers (an alcohol and drug rehab in Virginia), I’ve seen how summer can be a particularly vulnerable time. School is out, schedules are more relaxed, and teens often have greater independence. Parties, vacations, and social gatherings can increase exposure to alcohol, raising the risk of poor decisions. With that in mind, here are ways parents can help reduce the risk of teen drinking and driving this summer.
Start the Conversation Early and Keep It Going
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is treating alcohol and driving as a one-time discussion. Effective communication happens through ongoing conversations that evolve as teens grow and encounter new situations. Rather than waiting until your teen is headed to a social gathering, look for opportunities to discuss the topic throughout the year. News stories, television shows, social media posts, and everyday experiences can all serve as natural conversation starters.
The goal isn’t to lecture, but rather to create an environment where your teen feels comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns. When communication is open, teens are more likely to seek guidance before making difficult decisions.
Discuss the Real Consequences of Drinking and Driving
Many teens understand that drinking and driving is dangerous, but they may underestimate the potential consequences. Talk openly about how alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making. Explain that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability, particularly for inexperienced drivers.
It’s also important to discuss the broader impact. A single poor decision can result in injuries, fatalities, legal consequences, financial burdens, and lasting emotional trauma for multiple families. Focusing on real-life outcomes often resonates more strongly than simply repeating rules.
Create a “No Questions Asked” Ride Home Policy
One of the most effective safety measures parents can implement is a “no questions asked” ride home policy. Let your teen know that they can call you for a ride at any time if they ever find themselves in an unsafe situation, whether they’ve been drinking, their driver has been drinking, or they simply feel uncomfortable.
Many teens hesitate to reach out because they fear punishment or disappointing their parents. Make it clear that getting home safely is always the priority. Any conversations about consequences can happen later. Knowing they have a reliable safety net can make it easier for teens to avoid dangerous choices in the moment.
Help Them Plan Ahead for Social Events
Good decisions are easier to make when they’re made before emotions, peer pressure, or alcohol enter the picture. Encourage your teen to think through transportation plans before attending parties, concerts, sporting events, or other gatherings. Ask questions such as: Who will be there? How are you getting there? Who is driving? How will you get home?
Having a plan reduces the likelihood of last-minute decisions that could compromise safety. It also reinforces the idea that responsible behavior starts before an event begins.
Teach Them How to Handle Peer Pressure
Even teens who understand the risks of drinking and driving can struggle when faced with social pressure. Talk about common scenarios they might encounter, such as being offered alcohol, riding with someone who has been drinking, or feeling pressured to stay at an event longer than planned. Help them practice responses they can use confidently, such as:
- “I’m not getting in the car if you’ve been drinking.”
- “My parents are expecting me home.”
- “I’ll call for a ride instead.”
Role-playing these situations may feel awkward, but it can increase confidence and make it easier for teens to respond when faced with real-world pressure.
Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries
Teens benefit from knowing exactly where their parents stand on important issues. Clearly communicate your family’s expectations regarding alcohol use and driving. Discuss the rules, explain the reasoning behind them, and outline any consequences for breaking them. Research consistently shows that parental expectations influence teen behavior. Even when teens appear resistant, they often take their parents’ values into account when making decisions.
The key is consistency. Mixed messages can create confusion, while clear and predictable boundaries help establish trust and accountability.
Model Responsible Behavior Yourself
Parents are often more influential than they realize. Teens pay close attention to how adults handle alcohol, transportation, and decision-making. If you drink alcohol, demonstrate responsible behavior by never driving impaired and openly discussing how you plan for safe transportation. Use designated drivers, rideshare services, or alternative transportation when appropriate.
Modeling healthy decision-making sends a powerful message that safety is a priority, not just a rule for teenagers. Actions often speak louder than words, and teens are more likely to adopt behaviors they consistently observe at home.
Safety Starts With Communication
National Safety Month is a reminder that preventing tragedies starts with proactive conversations and thoughtful planning. While parents can’t eliminate every risk teens may face, they can provide the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to help them make safer choices. By maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and creating practical safety plans, families can reduce the risk of teen drinking and driving this summer.
Lauren Edwards is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers, a leading alcohol and drug rehab in Virginia. In her role, Lauren connects individuals and families with the center’s comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including outpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic therapies such as art and music therapy. She is dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders and providing compassionate support to those seeking lasting recovery, helping them navigate treatment options and access the resources they need to thrive.
