Replies to '09/19 School Controversies'

A a retired police officer, that was working during the time they dropped the legal age to 18 for a period of time, there was a lot higher instance of DUI arrests with the 18 to 20 years olds.  When it as legal to drink they took advantage of that out in public places where they would of, before, been denied the alcoholic beverages.  Then got in their vehicles and drove on the highways.  When it  was illegal for them to drink they tended to go to private parties and due to the added charges of illegally drinking, plus having to be grilled on who furnished them with those beverages, it was found that the illegal drinkers would avoid the authorities as much as they could.  When the drinking age returned to 21 we saw a big decline of DUI arrests and accidents. 

My thoughts and experiences tend to show me that they will get it if they want it.  The teens that would rather wait to legal drinking age and stay out of possible trouble, will wait.  When you legally make it available to them they will then tend to use that privilage for having no fear of prosecution.  But forget that drinking and driving is a bigger offense with bigger and many times fatal consequences. 

Footnote....I personally would like to see drinking alcohol banned entirely.