The document discusses arguments for lowering the legal drinking age in the United States from 21 to 18. It notes that highway fatalities related to alcohol were decreasing before 1984 when the National Drinking Age Act was passed. Other factors like education, designated drivers, safety features in cars, and lower speed limits contributed to the decline in traffic deaths. The document argues that an 18 year old is considered mature enough to take on other responsibilities like military service, voting, and jury duty, so they should be able to legally drink alcohol. It concludes that lowering the drinking age could help reduce unsafe binge drinking if 18 year olds are taught responsible drinking habits.

1. Patrick O’Leary

2.  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?

3.  Highway fatalities, due to alcohol, started to
lower BEFORE 1984.
The Statistics

4.  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

5.  Being 18 and allowed
to drink does not
mean an increase in
traffic fatalities.
Proving that….

6. The U.S. is one, of only four, countries with a 21
and over drinking law.
Most Countries Have a Drinking
Age Below 21

7. Turning 18 means becoming an adult
Is a 18 Year Old Mature Enough to
Drink?

8.  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

9.  Regardless of the law, teens will find a way to
drink.
Teens Are Going To Drink

10.  Unsupervised parties
◦ Want to get drunk as fast as they can.
 BINGE DRINKING
Behind Closed Doors

11.  Before going out
 “Pre-game”
 “Power Hour”
 Alcohol Poisoning
Binge Drinking

12.  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

13.  Require classes on responsible drinking
 Increase awareness on transportation
alternatives
 Helping to mold teens into responsible
consumers
Necessary Actions

14.  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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 McCartt, Anne T., Laurie A. Hellinga, and Bevan B. Kirley. "The Effects Of Minimum Legal Drinking Age 21 Laws
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 Saylor, Drew K. "Heavy Drinking On College Campuses: No Reason To Change Minimum Legal Drinking Age Of
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 Smith, D. Ian. "Effect On Juvenile Crime Of Lowering The Drinking Age In Three Australian States." British Journal
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 Wechsler, Henry, and Toben F. Nelson. "Will Increasing Alcohol Availability By Lowering The Minimum Legal
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