Georgia is one of at least 10 states that allow parents to give their own children alcohol, but only in the home or in a private setting. However, it's illegal to give other people's children alcohol. Garret's accident has raised the issue of "social hosting laws" that punish parents whose homes become venues for drinking parties. Parents, whose children use their homes for such parties where other minors consume alcohol, can be fined thousands of dollars. Social hosting laws are being enacted not just in Georgia, but across the country in efforts to crack down on binge drinking by teenagers.
With alcohol being one of the biggest factors in teen-related car accidents, it's becoming more important than ever to realize and understand that such accident prevention is not the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies, but also requires the active participation of adults in the community, including parents. Teenagers find it far too easy to obtain alcohol, even with strict rules against furnishing alcohol to a minor. This has to change, and we need to realize how we endanger children of our community when we place a bottle of alcohol in their hands. According to an American Medical Association study, at least 1/3rd of teenagers say that they were able to obtain alcohol from their parents, while at least 40% say that they have been able to get alcohol from a parent's friend. As an Atlanta car accident lawyer, I think we focus harder on teaching teens the dangers of drunk driving, while neglecting to make sure that they don't obtain the stuff in the first place.
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