Our 19 year old daughter may be drinking and driving. Not sure where to start, do we report her to authorities, have her tested? [sigh]

Have you talked to her about the effects that her behavior can have on herself and others?

Many people don't realize the damages that can be caused by their actions. Many young people believe that they could never get into an accident or never get caught.

MADD might be a good place to start to find some good info to give to your daughter.

MADD Online: Stats & Resources

If you know she is driving while drinking, yes, you can and probably should, call the police. It is not being mean to her, but rather making the choice for her that she cannot, due to her drinking. Sadly the authorities cannot do much about someone who might be drinking or it is not known if she is drinking or not. But you can talk to them and ask them to be watchful. It cannot hurt to ask but do not be surprised is they say they cannot do much at that time.

If you live in a small town like I grew up in, the police knew everyone (which was good and bad).

I would like to ask why you think this before I offer a possible solution.

I would talk to her before hand, she may resent you for doing this. Then theirs the financial burden she going to have to deal with and the losing of her license. I would at least talk to her first.

I agree that many people do not realise the effects of drinking underage or not.

I do think parents have a hard time convincing their children that drinking does not help in anyway, it has become part of many cultures as a social practice.

Calling the authorities must be the hardest thing a parent could do their own child.
Talking to them personally and convincing them would be a better alternative anytime.

There are many cases of drunk driving where the driver or the people on the road have been harmed.I even read of a case where a son drove his car into his mothers car.He did not even realise it was his mother until he woke up in hospital to find that he had killed his mother and her best friend.
Maybe you could show her such stories and tell her that you are not trying to spoil her fun, but that you worry about her safety and the safety of others.

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Originally Posted by shygrneyzs

If you know she is driving while drinking, yes, you can and probably should, call the police. It is not being mean to her, but rather making the choice for her that she cannot, due to her drinking. Sadly the authorities cannot do much about someone who might be drinking or it is not known if she is drinking or not. But you can talk to them and ask them to be watchful. It cannot hurt to ask but do not be surprised is they say they cannot do much at that time.

If you live in a small town like I grew up in, the police knew everyone (which was good and bad).

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I Think you said it perfect really, you know what's best!

How much control do you have over a adult daughter , 19 is an adult.
I would see if you can get them to go see a couseler, and visit a homeless shelter and see what drinking does, But to be honest, they won't believe you or think "that" could happen to them.

Even drunks that get arrested driving, keep doing it normally.

K well I don't no exactly about drinking but doing drugs I know s you up bad and I'm 100% sure drimnnking will do the same! And get her to read up on crashes caused by drunk driving!

Well she's at an age now that NOW IS THE TIME AS A PARENT U HAVE THAT RIGHT AND DUTY TO HER Well I can't say I drank under age but I didn't drink my first beer till I was 21 I got a DWI here in NC when I was 26 the amount of money it has cost me in fees court and lawyer costs not to mention insurance rates if I could sit down with her and explain the effects the things and what her actions can bring I got lucky I didn't kill anyone but I did lose my license for a year and ahalf I was able to keep my truck but again JAcksonville nc isn't that big of a city where I grew up