Underage Drinking Prevention: MADD Iowa Coordinator’s Important Message
Shannon Booth, the dedicated and passionate program manager for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) in Iowa, has been working tirelessly for the past 13 months to combat underage drinking and substance use. Her efforts are especially crucial in a state where 15% of drunk driving arrests involve underage individuals.
Empowering Teens and Parents
Booth’s primary focus is on engaging with Iowa schools to deliver impactful presentations on underage drinking prevention and impaired driving awareness. She emphasizes the importance of teenagers always staying sober behind the wheel and feeling empowered to make safe decisions, even as passengers, when the driver is under the influence.
But Booth doesn’t stop at just educating teens. She also reaches out to parents, highlighting the significant influence they have on their children’s behaviors and attitudes towards alcohol and impaired driving. She stresses that children as young as eight years old are already forming opinions on these matters based on their parents’ actions.
Setting Clear Expectations
Booth urges parents to establish clear rules and expectations regarding acceptable driving behavior, especially during weekends, holidays, and the summer months when teens have more free time. By setting a positive example and communicating openly with their children, parents can play a vital role in shaping responsible attitudes towards drinking and driving.
Impactful Outreach and Expansion
The demand for Booth’s presentations has been soaring, with many schools eagerly requesting her services, particularly before prom season. To meet this growing need, a second representative from MADD has been hired to provide impaired driving prevention talks in eastern Iowa, allowing Booth to focus her efforts in western Iowa. This strategic expansion ensures that more students and parents across the state can benefit from MADD’s invaluable resources and guidance.
As we navigate the complexities of underage drinking and impaired driving, Shannon Booth’s unwavering dedication and commitment serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through education, awareness, and proactive communication, we can all work together to create a safer and more responsible environment for our youth. Let’s take Shannon’s message to heart and make a collective effort to prevent tragedies caused by underage drinking and impaired driving. Your actions today can shape a brighter, safer future for generations to come.
