Coping with Drinking and Driving cover

Coping with Drinking and Driving

Author: Grosshandler, Janet

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 7.4
Points 4.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 20463
Points per Word 0.000195
Page Count 103
Points per Page 0.038835
Series Coping

Description

An informative guide aimed at high-school students explores the dangers and health effects of drinking and driving, showing why even small amounts of alcohol impair reaction time and decision-making. The book outlines the legal consequences young drivers may face, from license suspension to criminal charges, and presents real-world statistics that highlight how serious the problem is. It also provides practical strategies for coping with peer pressure, refusing rides with intoxicated drivers, and encouraging safer choices among friends. Through case studies, discussion prompts, and actionable advice, the author equips teens with the knowledge to protect themselves and others on the road.

Quick Summary

For teens who've ever been in a situation where they or their friends were pressuring each other about driving after drinking, this book finally cuts through the typical lectures and gives it to you straight. Janet Grosshandler balances real science explaining exactly how alcohol affects reaction time and decision-making with stories from young people who've seen the consequences up close, whether through crashes, legal trouble, or losing friends. The chapters are short enough that reluctant readers won't feel overwhelmed, but what makes it memorable is how it tackles the "it won't happen to me" mindset by laying out the legal and personal fallout in ways that actually register. Parents will appreciate that it doesn't moralize; instead, it gives teens the facts and lets them make informed choices, which can actually open the door to real conversations. It's a solid choice for anyone who's ever wondered what really happens when you mix alcohol and a car, or for teens trying to figure out how to handle pressure from friends.