21 Drinking Age Law Saves Nearly 1,000 Lives Each Year; Turns Another Year Older
7/17/2008
Contact Information
Misty Moyse, MADD, 469-420-4558
Heidi Castle, 469-420-4545
DALLAS & WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 17, 2008) – An estimated 25,000 people are alive today because of the 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA). Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) applauds the work of Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) as well as Congressman Michael D. Barnes (D-MD) and the late Representative James J. Howard (D-NJ) who helped pass this life-saving law, which was signed into law 24 years ago today. Since its passage, there have been significant declines in deaths on the roads and off the roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the 21 MLDA has reduced traffic fatalities involving drivers 18 to 20 years old by 13 percent and has saved an estimated 25,509 lives since 1975. In 2006, an estimated 890 lives were saved by minimum drinking age laws.
“While 21 started out helping to combat drunk driving, we now have extensive research on the impact of this law on underage drinking prevention as well,” said Laura Dean-Mooney, MADD’s newly appointed national president. “MADD is continuing to support this law by advocating for more enforcement and limiting social and retail access to alcohol by those under 21. Additionally, we need to reach youth well before peer pressure begins, as early as 4th grade.”
Research shows the earlier youth drink the more likely they are to become alcohol dependent and to drive drunk. Youth who start drinking before age 15, compared to those who wait until age 21, were 12 times more likely to be unintentionally injured while under the influence of alcohol, 7 times more likely to be in a motor vehicle crash after drinking and 10 times more likely to have been in a physical fight after drinking. (NAS, 2003) To support the 21 drinking age, please sign the pledge of support at www.madd.org.
"The anniversary of the federal minimum drinking age law reminds us of the important life-saving and life-preserving benefits this legislation has brought our country,” said Ronald M. Davis, AMA Immediate Past President. “A 21 drinking age was established based on sound scientific evidence that demonstrates the dangers of early alcohol use for children and adolescents. The adolescent brain is a work in progress, marked by significant development in areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, complex thinking, planning, inhibition and emotional regulation.”
MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and to prevent underage drinking. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving includes increased high-visibility enforcement such as sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols that also involve enforcing zero tolerance laws for those under 21; and mandating alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. To learn more, please visit www.madd.org, www.why21.org, or call 1-800-GET-MADD.
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