By Brad Owen and Rob McKenna

Every year around this time the news is full of preventable, alcohol-related tragedies, from fatal car crashes to stupid, alcohol-induced stunts that send our kids to the emergency room. Too often we hear stories of families who should be enjoying some of the best times of their lives suddenly facing the worst because of a careless act of irresponsible drinking.

State stats tell us that most deaths to young drivers occur in July and August when youth are driving more so risk exposure is at the highest. We know that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young people. Every day, car crashes kill more young people than cancer, unintentional poisoning, homicide and suicide combine.

We also know that those who start drinking as a teen are more likely to become alcoholics as adults, teens who drink are more likely to get in trouble with the law, get booted off sports teams, get suspended or expelled from school, experiment with other illegal substances and the list goes on.

Despite these examples, our community attitudes toward youth drinking remain somewhat passive as though drinking is some kind of rite of passage, when it’s really more a rite of failure. More often than not it is parents who host teen drinking parties, figuring it is better to have the kids within sight than off at a keg party in the woods. This is not only a bad idea—it could be costly: Washington’s social hosting law carries a penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.

The good news is that the number of teens who drink in Washington is going down. The 2010 Washington Healthy Youth Survey reported a decrease overall in alcohol use, with more kids saying their parents talk to them about not drinking alcohol.

We have an active Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, comprised of state agency and community partners, that is taking the lead by publishing materials and web sites where parents can learn the rules and, especially important – how to talk to their kids. StartTalkingNow.org and LetsDrawtheLine.org are two web sites with plenty of resources.

What’s even more encouraging is to see schools and communities across the state take part by signing commitment cards and hosting events that say, with loud fervor, that they are taking a stand against underage drinking.

The momentum is building and we are seeing results. As state elected officials, we urge you to get on board with these efforts to keep our kids safe, healthy and sober.

Brad Owen is serving his fourth term as Lieutenant Governor of Washington. Rob McKenna is serving his second term as Attorney General of Washington. Both are members of the Washington Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.