ABSTRACT:
This research project examines what factors, in the U.S, determine the age restrictions on drinking compared to other countries. Does age determine how well alcohol is consumed? Is 18 the age that everyone becomes an adult? Does raising the age for drinking stop minors from drinking?
INTRODUCTION:
For several reasons, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act changed the drinking age from 18 to 21, in 1984. First, there was no consensus among states regarding the legal drinking age. Second, studies found that individuals under the age of 21 caused more car accidents than those above that age. Therefore, the legal drinking age in the United States is now 21, compared to Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom, where the drinking age is 18. It is important to note that in the U.S, the age of adulthood is 18. Some debate that the National Minimum Drinking Age Act questions whether 18 equates to adulthood. When one becomes 18, she/he becomes responsible for the following: career choice, marriage, becoming sexually active, housing, and financial responsibilities. However, when it comes to drinking,18 is not the responsible drinking age, unlike in other countries. If impactful decisions are made at age 18, then cannot one make decisions on his/her consumption habits?
AIM
This research proposes that the national drinking age should be 18, instead of 21.
METHOD:
This research is a literature review of Teens Drinking and Driving. The community chosen for this topic is national subject to the United States of America. Three peered reviewed journals were searched on the topic of teenage drinking and age regulations in the United States. The following sources were used: Journal of Accident Analysis and Prevention, The New York Times, and The Leading Source For Pros & Cons Of Controversial.
RESULTS:
In the United States, 18 is the age of adulthood and, as an adult, decisions about alcohol consumption should be left up to them (Pro’s and Con’s, 2016). At the age of 18, a citizen is eligible to enlist into the military, however he or she is still unable to consume alcohol. Many young adults sacrificed their lives before the age of 21, without consuming alcoholic beverages.