Embedded Files
Explore how effective the MLDA 21 has been in various areas:
Explore how effective the MLDA 21 has been in various areas:
Reductions in Drinking:
Reductions in Drinking:
According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, underage drinking accounts for 17.5% ($22.5 billion) of consumer spending for alcohol in the United States. In 2006, 72.2% of twelfth graders reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lives.
Yet, many studies reveal that drinking among youth has decreased since the States raised the MLDA. Because beer is the alcoholic beverage of choice for most youth, reduced rates of alcohol consumption among youth were primarily evident in decreased rates of beer consumption (Berger and Snortum 1985). On the other hand, rates of wine and distilled spirits consumption did not noticeably change (Barsby and Marshall 1977; Smart 1977).
Some opponents of MLDA 21 argue when youth turn 21, they drink to make up for lost time and drink more than they would if the MLDA were lower. O'Malley and Wagenaar's study (1991), however, found that the lower rates of alcohol consumption continued even after youth turned 21.
Decreases in Traffic Crashes
Decreases in Traffic Crashes
Most studies evaluating the effectiveness of lowering the MLDA found an increase of car crashes and deaths among youth (Wagenaar 1993). 20 of 29 studies since the 1980's show significant decreases in car crashes and deaths. Only 3 found no change in traffic crashes and 6 studies had no results. Based on results from research studies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that in 1987, 1071 car crash fatalities were prevented because of MDLA 21.
In 2009, the 21- to 24-year-old age group had the highest percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of .08 or higher – 35 percent. Yet, some argue any increase in traffic accidents or fatalities in 18- to 20-year-olds would be offset by a decrease for those 21 and older.
Other Problems Among Youth
Other Problems Among Youth
Alcohol use among youth is related to numerous problems, including car crashes, drowning, suicides, teen pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases. Alcohol consumption is reported in one-fifth to two-thirds of many of these problems (Howland and Hingson 1988; Plant 1990; Roizen 1982; Smith and Kraus 1099; Strunin and Hingson 1992).
Research indicates that a higher MLDA results in fewer alcohol-related problems among youth. The MLDA saves the lives of well over 1000 youth each year (NHTSA 1989; Jones 1992).
References
References
BERGER, D.E., AND SNORTUM, J.R. Alcoholic beverage preferences of drinking driving violators. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 46(3):232– 239, 1985.
BARSBY, S.L., AND MARSHALL, G.L. Shortterm consumption effects of a lower minimum alcohol purchasing age. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 38(9):1665–1679, 1977.
O’MALLEY, P.M., AND WAGENAAR, A.C. Effects of minimum drinking age laws on alcohol use, related behaviors and traffic crash involvement among American youth: 1976–1987. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 52(5):478–491, 1991.
WAGENAAR, A.C. Minimum drinking age and alcohol availability to youth: Issues and research needs. In: Hilton, M.E., and Bloss, G., eds. Economics and the Prevention of AlcoholRelated Problems. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Research Monograph No. 25. NIH Pub. No. 93–3513. Bethesda, MD: the Institute, 1993. pp. 175–200.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Impact of Minimum Drinking Age Laws on Fatal Crash Involvements: An Update of the NHTSA Analyses. NHTSA Technical Report No. DOT HS 807 349. Washington, DC: NHTSA, 1989.
HOWLAND, J., AND HINGSON, R. Alcohol as a risk factor for drownings. Accident Analysis and Prevention 20(1):19–25, 1988.
PLANT, M.A. Alcohol, sex and AIDS. Alcohol and Alcoholism 25(2/3):293–301, 1990.
ROIZEN, J. Estimating alcohol involvement in serious events. In: Alcohol and Health Monograph 1: Alcohol Consumption and Related Problems. Washington, DC: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1982. pp. 179–219.
SMITH, G.S., AND KRAUS, J.F. Alcohol and residential, recreational, and occupational injuries: A review of the epidemiologic evidence. Annual Review of Public Health 8:99–121, 1988.
STRUNIN, L., AND HINGSON, R. Alcohol, drugs, and adolescent sexual behavior. International Journal of the Addictions 27(2):129–146, 1992.
JONES, N.E.; PIEPER, C.F.; AND ROBERTSON, L.S. The effect of legal drinking age on fatal injuries of adolescents and young adults. American Journal of Public Health 82(1):112–115, 1992.
ProCon.org. "Minimum Legal Drinking Age ProCon.org." ProCon.org. 17 May 2018.
Report abuse