Why the 90 percent figure for teen crashes involving alcohol matters for LMHS NJROTC students and safety education.

Heading into safe driving with clear eyes

If you’ve ever watched a group of LMHS NJROTC cadets gather for a briefing, you know the vibe: smart, focused, ready to take on tough topics with real-world consequences. Driving safety sits squarely in that lane. It’s not just about rules on a page; it’s about choices that ripple through lives—your life, your friends’ lives, and the people you’ll meet on the road. And there’s a number that keeps showing up in conversations about teen driving that can feel shocking at first glance: roughly 90 percent of car crashes involving teenagers are connected to alcohol use. That stat isn’t a trivia trophy; it’s a loud reminder that the combination of inexperience and impaired judgment is a dangerous mix.

Let me explain why this figure feels so big and why it matters to you and your crew. When a teen driver consumes alcohol, even small amounts can cloud judgment and slow reaction times. You might think you’re in control, but the brain’s still wiring itself for speed, impulse, and risk assessment. In a split second, a momentary decision—like whether to speed up, hit the brakes, or steer away from a hazard—can turn into a crash. Add in inexperience behind the wheel, and you’ve got a recipe that can tip the odds against you. It’s not about doom and gloom; it’s about recognizing the stakes and choosing to steer toward safety.

What the numbers aren’t telling you at first glance

• Alcohol doesn’t just lower inhibitions; it messes with coordination and perception. A teen brain is still developing—areas that govern risk evaluation and self-control aren’t finished wiring themselves until the mid-20s. Put alcohol on top of that, and you’ve got a set of conditions that makes even routine trips more treacherous.

• Teen driving isn’t a solo sport. Friends, seats, and distractions pile up. If one passenger is encouraging risky behavior or the driver is trying to keep up with a crowd, the risk climbs fast.

• The consequences aren’t limited to the moment of impact. Crashes ripple through families and communities, creating a trail of grief, medical bills, and long recovery times that can stretch for years.

Let’s connect the dots with something you’ve probably seen in your own circles: risk behaviors tend to cluster. A teen who’s tempted to drink may also push for speeding, ignoring seatbelts, or using a phone while behind the wheel. Alcohol is a kind of “multiplier”—it amplifies other risky choices. That’s why the message that comes through loud and clear from safety advocates is simple: if you’re under the influence, you don’t drive. End of story, and then you find a safer way home.

What this means in the real world

Think about the last time you and your squad planned a night out. The safest plan isn’t just about arriving at a destination; it’s about how you get there and how everyone gets home. It’s about who makes the call when someone has had a couple of drinks or when a ride share is the wiser option. It’s also about the culture you’re building in your circle—one where peer influence is used for protection, not pressure.

The dramatic statistic is a spotlight, not a verdict. It’s a call to action for everyone who cares about the people in their car. Awareness campaigns have hammered this message for years, and when you see campaigns that show real stories, you’re reminded that behind every statistic is a life, a family, a future that could be altered in an instant.

Prevention that sticks: practical tools you can use

• Plan ahead. If you’re going to be out after dark, decide your ride early. Designated drivers, rideshares, or a plan to sleep over somewhere safe can be life-saving decisions.

• Talk openly with friends. Peer influence runs both ways. If you’re the one who speaks up when someone’s about to drive after drinking, you’re doing a real service.

• Support a culture of accountability. It’s not snitching to check in and say, “Hey, I don’t feel good with you driving.” It’s looking out for each other.

• Use public resources and trusted authorities. National campaigns, school-based safety programs, and parental guidance all offer clear, practical steps to reduce risk.

If you’re curious about who’s leading the charge, you’ll find that organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) have shaped the conversation for years. They’re not just naming the problem; they’re equipping teens with things you can actually do—things that feel doable in your own town, on your own street.

A few more angles that land well in a school community

• The “designated driver” idea isn’t a lecture—it’s a plan you can live by. A simple, upfront agreement can spare a lot of pain later.

• Technology isn’t the villain. Yes, smartphones grab attention, but apps and built-in car safety systems can help keep you on the right track. Quiet modes, seatbelt reminders, and crash-prevention features are there to support, not judge.

• Family makes a difference. Parents aren’t the enemy here; they’re partners in keeping everyone safe. Open conversations about plans, limits, and consequences set the groundwork for better choices when you’re in the driver’s seat.

Why this matters for a team with a mission

Your LMHS NJROTC unit isn’t just about drills and academic topics; it’s about leadership, responsibility, and service to others. Promoting road safety is a leadership act. When cadets stand up to say, “We don’t drink and drive, and we’ll be there to help a friend get home safely,” you’re modeling the kind of leadership that earns trust and respect. It’s the kind of message that travels beyond the classroom and into the community—into homes, into neighborhoods, into the very places you hang out on weekends.

The human side of the statistic

I don’t want to bombard you with numbers without giving you a heartbeat to hold onto. Imagine a friend who heads out for the night and thinks, “I’ll be fine to drive.” Then imagine the moment of hesitation, the quick decision to call a ride, or the feeling of relief when a responsible choice saves the day. The difference between those two moments is real, and it’s in your hands.

If you’re looking for a simple constant to guide your choices, here it is: if alcohol is involved, don’t drive. It’s not about fear; it’s about care—care for yourself, for your crew, and for the people you’ll share the road with tomorrow, next week, and next year.

A few quick resources you can tuck away

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): practical tips for teen drivers and parents.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): data and guidance on alcohol use and driving.

• MADD and SADD: campaigns, local chapters, and student-friendly resources.

• Local traffic safety programs and school counseling offices: often ready to partner on respectful, practical safety initiatives.

Closing thoughts: leadership you can drive home

In a world where a night out can turn into a risky equation in seconds, leadership means choosing safety as a default. It’s about the quiet strength to say no to a risky idea, the courage to help a friend make the safe choice, and the persistence to keep the conversation going—not just when there’s a crisis, but every day.

You’re part of a team that knows how to work together. Use that strength to champion safer decisions on the road. Start conversations, share resources, and model responsible behavior. The 90 percent figure isn’t a verdict; it’s a warning bell that calls for action. When cadets lead with clarity, compassion, and practicality, you’re not just building a safer campus—you’re shaping a safer future for everyone who buckles up and steps into the world.

If you want a simple takeaway to carry into the next week, here it is: plan ahead, set a boundary, and be the friend who makes sure everyone gets home safe. It’s small, it’s doable, and it saves lives. That’s leadership in action—and it fits right into the values you’re building as a member of your school’s NJROTC family.