Lowering the Drinking Age

Patrick O’Leary

The National Drinking Age Act of 1984 Passed in hopes to reduce highway fatalities due

to drinking and driving. States were forced to abide or they would loose

highway funds.

Why was the Drinking Age Raised in the First Place?

Highway fatalities, due to alcohol, started to lower BEFORE 1984.

The Statistics

Education about drinking and driving.

Designated driver programs.

Increased seat belt and air bag usage.

Safer automobiles.

Lowering of speed limits.

Other Factors Contributed to Reduction in Traffic Fatalities

Being 18 and allowed to drink does not mean an increase in traffic fatalities.

Proving that….

The U.S. is one, of only four, countries with a 21 and over drinking law.

Most Countries Have a Drinking Age Below 21

Turning 18 means becoming an adult

Is a 18 Year Old Mature Enough to Drink?

Go away to college Open up credit cards Serve on a jury

If an 18 year old is “mature” enough for all of these responsibilities, then an 18 year old is mature enough to drink alcohol

Not To Mention

Regardless of the law, teens will find a way to drink.

Teens Are Going To Drink

Unsupervised parties◦ Want to get drunk as fast as they can.

BINGE DRINKING

Behind Closed Doors

Before going out “Pre-game” “Power Hour” Alcohol Poisoning

Binge Drinking

Should lower drinking age to 18 and start teaching how to drink responsibly and respectfully.

By doing this, 18 year olds can drink socially and won’t have the need to binge drink.

Necessary Actions

Require classes on responsible drinking

Increase awareness on transportation alternatives

Helping to mold teens into responsible consumers

Necessary Actions

If an 18 year old is to be claimed an “adult” then all of the rights should come at that age and they shouldn’t have to wait three years to be able to drink.

If we want teens/young adults to drink responsibly then we must give them the responsibility and ability to drink legally.

Conclusion

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Medicine, 16 July 2006. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.

 

  McCartt, Anne T., Laurie A. Hellinga, and Bevan B. Kirley. "The Effects Of Minimum Legal Drinking Age 21

Laws On Alcohol-Related Driving In The United States." Journal Of Safety Research 41.2 (2010): 173-181. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 Dec. 2013.

 

Saylor, Drew K. "Heavy Drinking On College Campuses: No Reason To Change Minimum Legal Drinking Age Of 21." Journal Of American College Health 59.4 (2011): 330-333. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.

Smith, D. Ian. "Effect On Juvenile Crime Of Lowering The Drinking Age In Three Australian States." British Journal Of Addiction 82.2 (1987): 181-188. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 Dec. 2013.

Wechsler, Henry, and Toben F. Nelson. "Will Increasing Alcohol Availability By Lowering The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Decrease Drinking And Related Consequences Among Youths?." American Journal Of Public Health 100.6 (2010): 986-992. Business Source Complete. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Works Cited