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Delaware woman raises awareness of underage drinking

By Staff Writer

The drinking age in the U.S. is 21, but many kids find ways to get their hands on alcohol illegally. For adolescents that have earned their license, underage drinking can pose an additional threat: drunk driving.

Sue Spilecki from Wilmington, Delaware, is one woman who is attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking in her local community. While speaking to high school students, Spilecki says she often gets apathetic responses, according to The News Journal. However, her final lesson is regarded as an eye-opener to teens who have heard her lectures.

Spilecki brings students to the grave of her son, Jay, who died in an auto accident at the age of 18. Prior to getting in the vehicle, Jay had consumed large amounts of alcohol. Spilecki's goal is to not scare children, but encourage them to think before drinking and driving.

Experts say that kids who drink are not only susceptible to these type of accidents, but often perform poorly in school.

The 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that 42 percent of high school students had consumed alcohol within a 30-day span, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug rehab programs can help kids who have become addicted to the substance.

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