Alcohol is a dangerous drug that is all-too-regularly a factor in the
compensation claims personal
injury solicitors Preston handle. Recent research by Lancashire County
Council's Trading Standards department has shown that young people in the
district could be putting themselves at unnecessary risk by consuming excessive
alcohol.
A poll involving 3,500 youngsters conducted by the council found that among
people aged between 14 and 17, 45% said that they drink alcohol in order to get
drunk. This is putting youngsters in the district in a lot of danger:
- 12% said they have been in a car that was driven by a drunk-driver
- 25% have had sex that they later regretted because they were drunk
- 38% said that drunkenness made them lose control of themselves
- 25% said they have been in a fight or are violent when they are drunk
However, no win no fee solicitors Preston are pleased to see that the
number of under-18s who do not drink in the district is rising. Overall, 38% of
14 to 17s said they do not drink alcohol at all, compared with just 20% of
respondents to the poll in 2011.
Personal injury solicitors Preston frequently hear complaints that young
people nowadays drink too much and are binge-drinkers, but the statistics
revealed by Lancashire County Council indicate this is not the case and that
young people should not be negatively labeled in such a way.
Businesses can help to prevent underage drinking by asking for proof of age
from anyone who looks younger than 25. Parents who are concerned about the
extent of their children's drinking can ask for help from the council, while
youngsters addicted to alcohol can receive support through the local authority.
