The 411 on Teen Drinking puts the magnifying glass to all underage drinking. (MADD pamplet)

By Zach Dietmeier

BLOOMINGTON - A new informational pamphlet is designed to prevent underage drinking.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and State Farm have partnered to release the booklet The 411 on Teen Drinking. MADD President Jan Withers told WJBC's Beth Whisman the focus is not just on teenage drinking and driving but on all underage drinking.

"Not only is it illegal, but more importantly it's extremely dangerous for our teens to be drinking," said Withers. "MADD does everything we can to prevent underage drinking completely."

The booklet features input from adults and teens. It's designed to cut down on all teen drinking, not just drinking and driving. The pamphlet also helps students make smart decisions about alcohol.

"It really empowers teens to resist the pressure and gives them tips on how to influence their friends not to drink before they're 21," said Withers. "Most importantly, don't get in the car with someone who's been drinking."

Withers also pointed out there's a reason the focus is on teenage drinking.

"There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and that's a real important law on our books that saves tons of lives. More importantly, underage drinking is very dangerous and literally kills 6,000 people a year, more than all the illegal drugs combined."

Withers points to the parents as the most important tool in combating underage drinking.

"The research shows that when parents do allow their children to drink at home, when they're away from home they drink more frequently and in larger quantities than they do at home," said Withers.

You can find the booklet at MADD.com along with a video contest to help raise awareness.

Zach can be reached at Zach.Dietmeier@cumulus.com.