"Reports in the 1970’s showing that teenage car accidents increased in states where the MLDA had been lowered from 21 prompted Congress to pass the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984" (ProCon.org)
"Excessive drinking contributes to more than 4,300 deaths among people below the age of 21 in the U.S. each year." (CDC Fact Sheet)
"States that increased the legal drinking age to 21 saw a 16% median decline in motor vehicle crashes" (CDC Fact Sheet)
Increase negative alcohol use/ behavior/ abuse
In the US, most parents are very strict as to when their child gets their first sip of alcohol so it is seen as something forbidden until a specific age and then once you reach that age it is to be done in excess
Decrease negative alcohol use/ behavior/ abuse
Other countries have the drinking age of 18 and have less alcohol related issues when dealing with adolescents. However, it has nothing to do with the legal drinking age
Other countries see drinking as apart of their culture for the entire life of the child, so it is done in moderation and is to be seen as something to enjoy. Not to use as a tool to fuel a need to party or be drunk.
Binge Drinking
"Lowering MLDA 21 to 18 will irresponsibly allow a greater segment of the population to drink alcohol in bars and nightclubs, which are not safe environments." (ProCon.org)
Increase economy with more alcohol sales
"Lowering MLDA 21 would be good for the economy. More people would legally be able to drink in bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments. Revenue would increase for private business owners, and greater amounts of tax revenue would be collected by the government." (ProCon.org)
