The Drinking Age Should Be Lowered to Eighteen
Why is it that eighteen-year-olds can legally obtain a driver's license, register to vote, be forced into jury duty or a draft, can be tried as an adult and even put
to death, but cannot buy and consume alcoholic beverages legally? I think these laws are very contradicting. Eighteen-year-olds are supposed to be adults,
responsible for their own actions,be able to live freely as the right they have too yet they must wait until the age of twenty-one to consume alcoholic beverages
legally. The way to solve underage consumption is to allow those who are eighteen-years-old the ability to buy and consume alcohol legally. It seems absurd
that this should be an exception.
Many people may think that lowering the drinking age will be more deadly on the highways. However, if young adults were more informed about the importance
of a designated driver when intoxicated, for example, perhaps the outcome would be more positive.
Stricter law enforcement would also aid in the prevention of alcohol-related accidents. They could enact a zero tolerance policy, which would punish anyone who
is caught in the act of an alcohol-related crime on the first offense, such as drunk driving.
Raising the driving age to eighteen instead of sixteen could also reduce traffic accidents in general. I think that sixteen is too young to be given power over a
weapon as deadly as an automobile. However, since the legal driving age is sixteen, perhaps lawmakers should enact training requirements that are stricter for
new drivers. For example, they could require more driving time with a certified instructor, or give them a probationary license for the first six months of their
licensure.
Even though there have been many cases of irresponsible drinking by those under the age of twenty-one, I believe they can be taught to drink responsibly.
Parental figures can teach young adults how to be responsible...