Spring Break
American Spirits: The Drinking Age Debate
Timothy Bleasdale
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Focus
Ruth Engs, professor of applied health science at Indiana University, has countered arguments by MADD and similar groups by pointing out that the drunk driving accident rate began dropping in 1980, a number of years before the law was passed. Supporters of the law claim that it has cut the number of traffic fatalities related to alcohol, but Engs points out that there are a number of other factors affecting these rates: education concerning drunk driving, designated driver programs, increased seat belt and air bag usage, safer automobiles, lower speed limits, tougher penalties for infractions and free taxi services from drinking establishments - to name a few.
Perhaps the most interesting development in the renewed debate is the great amount of credit that opponents of the law are giving to groups like MADD for helping lower alcohol related traffic fatalities. They claim that the educational programs that these groups have led over the last few decades have played a large role in decreasing the number of drunk drivers on the road.
It still may be too early to tell which way this debate will go. But one thing is clear, this is definitely something to watch in the coming months and if you have an opinion on the matter, you should voice it loud and clear.
Perhaps the most interesting development in the renewed debate is the great amount of credit that opponents of the law are giving to groups like MADD for helping lower alcohol related traffic fatalities. They claim that the educational programs that these groups have led over the last few decades have played a large role in decreasing the number of drunk drivers on the road.
It still may be too early to tell which way this debate will go. But one thing is clear, this is definitely something to watch in the coming months and if you have an opinion on the matter, you should voice it loud and clear.
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