Lower The Drinking Age: Not on their lives!

The Dangers of Changing The Drinking Age

Some states have been considering the option to push congress to lower the the drinking age from 21 years of age to 18. The rational comes from some well meaning individuals who believe that lowering the drinking age will curb binge drinking of underage high school students and college students who who are not yet of legal age. The evidence from recent history does not support the change.

Here are the facts: Since the United States Congress mandated in 1984 that states establish 21 as the legal age to consume alcohol:

• The National Highway safety Administration reports a 13% drop in traffic fatalities that saves the lives of over 900 individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 years of age.
• There is an 11% decline in the overall teenagers involved in fatal drunk driving accidents since the 1984 mandated law was enacted.
• Studies by the national Institute of Health "indicate that delaying the initiation of drinking by youth contributes to reduction in future alcohol related problems, including alcohol dependence, binge drinking, alcohol related crashes, injuries and fatalities and violence."
• Individuals that chose to drink before the age of 15 are:
  

1. 4 times more likely to develop alcoholism
2. 12 times more likely to be injured while under the influence of alcohol
3. 7 time more likely to be an an auto accident
4. 10 time more likely to become involved in a fight or altercation

Our society often discusses the power of using common sense when we enact new laws or legislation. Let's begin by using it now!

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