Underage drinking still results in thousands of deaths each year, but according to a new survey, it’s not a habit picked up by every teenager in the country.

The results compiled by SurveyMonkey, at the request of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), found three out of four high school students don’t drink alcohol.

TEEN DRINKING
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Pam Withers, National President of MADD, said the figures are very uplifting. She was pleased to hear the top reasons offered by teens who avoid drinking.

Most said they stay away from alcohol because it’s illegal. Other popular answers included alcohol’s effect on health and grades.

“Over half of the teens said that they were less likely to be friends with, or even date, someone who drinks underage,” added Withers, whose 15 year old daughter was killed by an underage drunk driver.

The study comes at the same time as Red Ribbon Week, nationally observed by schools and communities which help raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol among youth.

MADD, along with State Farm, are encouraging teens to upload a 15-second Instagram video that answers the question: “If you don’t drink today, what could your tomorrow be?” Entries are being accepted through December 20, and the grand prize winner gets $1,500. Another $1,500 will be awarded to the school with the most entries.

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