Indeed, far too many parents are happy to have their teenage children drink if they can only be sure they aren't getting involved with something 'really dangerous' like drugs. As always, such ignorance is dangerous. Most of us realize that underage drinking is illegal. These are why it's against the law.
Most people know the dangers of driving after drinking, regardless of age.
But few realize the many other ways in which excessive drinking is risky. Alcohol use increases the chances an individual will be injured or die as a bicyclist , or in a fire , from a fall , while swimming , as a pedestrian . And because of the way they drink, teens are particularly susceptible to alcohol poisoning . Date rape is merely the tip of the huge iceberg that is violence in intimate relationships. Alcohol use , usually by both parties, is often involved in each of these .