We all know that drinking and driving is a hazardous combination. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Young drivers, especially, lose their driving skills more quickly.

So Westchester has a new law designed to make parents accountable for underage drinking that goes on in their home. The Social Host Law, enacted by the Board of Legislators and signed by County Executive Andy Spano, provides penalties (fines and even jail time) to adults who host drinking parties for their underage children. It is the latest effort in the county’s campaign to deter drinking by minors. 

County Executive Spano, is determined to to deter illegal underage drinking and keep Westchester residents safe from motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The county's Office of Drug Prevention and Stop-DWI is involved with myriad activities to further these goals, part education, part law enforcement. One program, Family Day, encourages parents to take the time to eat dinner with their children. Parents need to understand that parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s kids substance free. This year Family Day is being celebrated on Sept. 22.

Other county activities include:

• Funding school programs to make sure teens understand the risks of underage drinking -- risks irrespective of whether they are also driving
• Funding police programs so those who patrol Westchester roadways have the needed resources to catch those who drive while under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• Working to change state or county laws, whenever necessary, to make sure society has the tools to deal with this problem