In this best-of episode, New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers, hosts Jodie, Amy, and Rick share powerful strategies for guiding teens safely through the risks of driving, peer pressure, and substance use. As teens reach the milestone of driving, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to foster safe, responsible habits on the road and address the unique risks tied to adolescent brain development.

From proactive preparation to fostering open discussions about substance use and impaired driving, our experts cover essential topics for supporting teen drivers. Rick shares practical steps for building a supportive environment, where teens feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. By incorporating technology and setting clear expectations, parents can ensure their young drivers are equipped to make smart choices and stay safe on the road.

Key Takeaways:

Proactive preparation is crucial as teens obtain their driver's license, requiring parents' guidance to navigate potential risks.
Fostering smart pedestrian habits and consistent skill refinement contribute to driving competence and overall road safety.
Differentiating between behaviors and driving decisions helps teens make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence (DUI).
Open conversations, starting with initial dialogue, establish a foundation for discussing sensitive topics such as drug use and driving.
Creating a safe haven at home encourages discussions about drug use and driving, while contracts engage teens in the process.
Utilizing technology like apps and advanced drivers' education enhances monitoring and promotes responsible driving behaviors.
Acknowledging the impact of drugs on driving abilities and emphasizing responsible choices is paramount for teen drivers' safety.

Rick Birt: Rick Birt is the Director of the Washington, DC Highway Safety Office and an international mobility safety expert. Formerly the CEO of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Rick has over a decade of experience in youth advocacy and traffic safety. Through his leadership, he continues to educate and engage communities in safe driving practices. @RickBirt

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.

@jodiesweetin

The Elks is a 150-year-old inclusive organization with nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges. Their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the largest volunteer-based kids' drug prevention initiative in the U.S. The Elks have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including building the first VA hospital for veterans.

The DEA, founded in 1973, enforces controlled substances laws across the U.S. and internationally. As the world's largest antidrug organization, the DEA has 241 domestic offices and 93 international divisions in 69 countries, playing a crucial role in combating drug-related crimes.

Resources/Links

SAMHSA | Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC

Get Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vY

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention: https://bit.ly/48nxwYw

One Pill Could Kill: https://bit.ly/3ELxfBa

DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9

DEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7Uj

DEA on Twitter: https://bit.ly/44VvEUt

DEA on Facebook: https://bit.ly/440b6ZY

DEA YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3s1KQB6

Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

Elks DAP on Twitter: https://bit.ly/45CfpvR

Elks DAP on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qw8RKL

Elks DAP on YouTube: https://bit.ly/444vMQq

Jodie Sweetin's Links

Jodie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/

Jodie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en

Amy McCarthy's Links

Amy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/

Boston Children's Hospital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonchildrens/?hl=en

Boston Children's Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine

Rick Birt's Links

RIck's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbirt/

Rick's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickbirt

Rick's Twitter: https://twitter.com/_RickBirt

Links Mentioned

NIH (National Institutes of Health) on Teen Substance Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/teens

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions): https://www.sadd.org/

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Teen Resources: https://madd.org/

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Teen Driving: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving

NHTSA's "If You Feel Different, You Drive Different" Campaign: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drug-impaired-driving&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1695230966438374&usg=AOvVaw2S7sUUvGlD7Do6qU9CC7Qf

Sample Parent-Teen Driving Agreement from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/agreement/index.html