When did the drinking age debate start?
Back in 2001, when then-President George W. Bush’s 19-year-old daughter was cited for underage drinking offenses, the debate about lowering the legal drinking age once again came into the national spotlight.
Why should the drinking age be lowered to 18?
Statistically, fewer drunk driving accidents and deaths occur in countries with a minimum legal drinking age of 18. In the United States, 31% of car accidents result from driving under the influence, or DUI, the third-highest rate in the world.
Has raising the drinking age to 21 helped?
After raising the drinking age to 21, rates of drinking and driving dropped 37% more for those underage than those 25-54 years old, and about 13% more than those aged 21-24 (Saylor 2011, 331).
Why the drinking age should be 21?
New research shows that a minimum drinking age of 21 is associated with a lower rate of drunk driving collisions among young adults, as well as a reduction in risk of health problems related to heavy drinking, including dating violence, unsafe sex and suicide.
Why the drinking age should be 25?
Pros of Raising the Drinking Age to 25 Much research has shown the damaging effects of alcohol on brain development in teens and young adults. The brain is still undergoing crucial developments until age 25, and some scientists have found evidence that it keeps developing until as late as age 30.
What age is the best age to start drinking?
Controversies&Arguments
What is the average age that people start drinking?
Most kids will start drinking with friends at age 14 or 15. As everywhere, some experiment at younger ages while others prefer to stay straight until they turn 16. Many parents will start offering children the occasional glass of radler, beer or wine with dinner or at a family party from around age 14 as well.
Why was drinking age changed from 18 to 21?
Why was drinking age changed from 18 to 21? 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.
Why to not lower the drinking age?
Why Shouldn’t the Drinking Age Be Lowered? 1. It Would be Medically Irresponsible There are medical concerns associated with the idea of lowering MLDA 21. Doing… 2. It Would Bring More People to Risky Environments Giving people between 18 and 21 years of age a chance to drink would… 3. It Would