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Show First in a series Teenage drinking, driving a problem The following is the first in a two-part series to be presented by the Iron County Record concerning teenage drinking and driving In the area. This week's story deals with the problem and with an upcoming community campaign that will try to do something about it. Next week, the series will continue with interviews with teenagers that do drink and drive, and will approach possible solutions to the problem, as well. By STEWART SMITH Record Reporter CEDAR CITY Recent surveys indicate that about 50 percent of teenagers drink while in cars, and about one in four drive sometimes after having had "a good bit" to drink. Add that to the fact that traffic accidents ac-cidents are the number one cause of death : among youth, with southern Utah being no exception, and society has a very definite problem. In fact, according to Five County Alcohol and Drug Coordinator Neal Smith, many of these life-costing accidents ac-cidents among teenagers involve a drinking driver. Last year numerous youth accidents occured in southern Utah,several of which resulted in fatalities and serious injuries. Most of these accidents were a result of alcohol, said Smith. The accidents, many times, were tragic; the youth involved had no idea that an accident would happen to them. "Accidents happen to the other guy." But sometimes they don't. According to Smith, teenagers are inexperienced at both drinking and driving, and the two together produce a fatal combination, probably moreso for teenagers than for other age groups. A community-wide campaign is being planned to inform residents of this important health and safety issue. Smith and Utah Highway Patrol Trooper David Excell are coordinating the effort. Trooper Excell, is one of many law enforcement officers that is concerned about teenage drinking and driving.'lt happens quite a bit, there's no question about it." Excell reported that a roadblock was recently conducted near Gunlock Reservoir.resulting in many arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. He indicated that over half of the arrests made were of juveniles. Fourth Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Jackson adds his statistics and concern to the problem also. According to Judge Jackson, in the first six months of this year in Iron County, he has had 31 cases of possession of alcohol, many of these cases involving drinking and driving-all driving-all of them involving juveniles. There are problems to be faced when dealing with teenage drinking and one of the biggest is alcohol availability, said Excell. The kids involved with alcohol seem to be able to get their booze anytime they want it. According to Excell the kids are able to get their liquor at anytime of day, "Whether it's from parents, friends or whoever they get it anytime they want it. Apparently there are even a few merchants w who feel the dollar is more important than the law." There is a stiff penalty for those caught contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Judge Jackson reported that this year alone he has seen seven cases of persons arrested for supplying alcohol to a minor. The persons convicted con-victed of the offense are given a $299 fine and sentenced to a 30 day jail sentence. The penalty may be reduced at the discretion of the judge. The penalty may be an easier thing to live with than one of the more serious consequences of contributing alcohol to a youth. Under current Utah law a person supplying a youngster with alcohol may be held directly responsible respon-sible for the actions of the youth under the influence of the alcohol. For example if a parent gives his child liquor, and the child then is involved in an automobile accident the parent may be held responsible, both civilly and criminally. This can be even more tragic when a fatality is involved. Teenage drinking and driving is a growing problem, one that has dangerous consequences for everyone, said Smith. It has become one of critical proportions even in quiet southern Utah. There are, however things that we all can do to prevent it from spreading. Next week: Talks with teenagers, and possible solutions and the reasons why kids drink and drive. |