Teen drivers are statistically more likely to get into an accident, and when you throw alcohol into the mix it becomes an even more dangerous situation. Many parents seem to think that as long as their children are drinking at home, they are safe from the dangers of driving drunk (or riding in a car being driven by an intoxicated friend.) However, the only sure way to keep your kids from drinking and driving is to keep them from drinking full stop. In Mercer Island, an ordinance is being passed that will be sure to encourage parents to keep their kids from drinking: if underage drinking is occurring on private property, the owners of that property can be fined $250.

The interesting and contentious thing about this law is that the fine can be incurred even if the owners have no idea that underage drinking is taking place. Mercer Island natives are having mixed responses to the fine, with many teenagers believing that their parents should not be held responsible for their actions. Also mentioned was that this would not stop teen drinking, but merely move it outside the home (and, by definition, to a place that the teens must drive to get to.) Many parents remained unconvinced that this will not stop teen drinking. Many local parents support the law, saying that parents are responsible for their teen’s actions no matter where they are, and that drinking at home does not preclude the possibility of drinking and driving.

Other issues that are raised are those of landlords and tenants—how liable would someone who rents a house or apartment be for the actions that take place on that property? A law like this would certainly encourage landlords to create strict rules about what sort of activities can take place on their rented property. Even here, though, it would be the parents who would suffer if they were evicted and it would be the parents who are responsible to control their teen’s drinking.

At the end of the day, the most important thing that you can teach your children is how to be safe on the road. This means more than just following traffic laws: it also means an understanding of how non-driving activities can affect your ability to drive. The reason that young people are more likely to get into an accident is simply a matter of experience. If your teen does not fully understand how alcohol will affect their judgment and reaction times, they may not think it will be dangerous to get behind the wheel after a couple of drinks. The same goes for texting and driving, having friends in the car or any other distraction or impairment. It is important to talk frankly with your child about the dangers that these activities pose. That way, when they are in a situation and you are not there to stop them from making a bad decision, they will make the smart and safe choice because they are well informed.