What would happen if the drinking age was lowered?

What would happen if the drinking age was lowered?

Our study found that a lower drinking age was associated with a statistically higher risk of unintended pregnancy and, largely as a result, worse infant health. Evidence also suggests that a lower drinking age leads to higher levels of binge drinking later in life among men.

Did raising the drinking age lower drunk driving?

Drunk Driving Crashes Reduced Since Drinking Age Was Raised to 21: Study. Raising the minimum drinking age to 21 has been associated with a reduced rate of drunk driving crashes among young Americans, according to a new review of studies.

Would lowering the drinking age cause more accidents?

Initiatives to lower the drinking age to 18 ignore the demonstrated public health benefits of MLDAs of 21. Impact on industry: Lowering the drinking age to 18 will increase highway crash deaths among young people.

Why is the drinking age 21 science behind?

The drinking age was raised back to 21 over federal highway funding. In 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act passed, which stated federal highway funds would be withheld from U.S. states that failed to set the minimum legal drinking age back at 21.

Has there been a change in drinking problems since it was raised to 21?

After all states adopted an age 21 MLDA, drinking during the previous month among persons aged 18 to 20 years declined from 59% in 1985 to 40% in 1991. Drinking among people aged 21 to 25 also declined significantly when states adopted the age 21 MLDA, from 70% in 1985 to 56% in 1991.

How can the number of alcohol-related deaths be reduced?

Stronger alcohol policies, including those targeting both excessive drinking and driving while impaired by alcohol, reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related motor vehicle crash deaths, according to a new study from Boston Medical Center and Boston University.

What is the lowest drinking age in Europe?

In Europe, the most average (median) alcohol minimum purchasing age is 18 years old. But some countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain) still set the minimum age at 16.

How can you reduce excessive alcohol consumption?

  1. Increase Alcohol Taxes. Alcohol taxes increase the price of alcohol at the federal, state, or local level on beer, wine, or distilled spirits.
  2. Regulate Alcohol Outlet Density.
  3. Commercial Host “Dram Shop” Liability Laws.
  4. Maintain or Limit Days or Hours of Sale.
  5. Enhance Enforcement of Laws Prohibiting Sales to Minors.