Drinking Age of 21 Lowers Traffic Deaths

Age limits on drinking have reduced alcohol-related traffic deaths by 11%, a study concludes. This reduction was in people under 21. In all states, 21 is the minimum age to buy or possess alcohol. Some states have even stronger laws. These laws vary widely. Some states require intense screening for fake IDs. Some target adults or stores that supply alcohol to people under 21. Others suspend driving for underage drinkers. In states with strong laws, alcohol-related traffic deaths were even lower. They were 7% lower for people under 21. HealthDay News wrote about the study July 1. It was published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.