DRINKING AGE 21: FACTS, MYTHS AND FICTIONS

This paper presents the results of a review of hundreds of hours of testimony before State legislatures, large amounts of editorial opinion and voluminous research reports in an effort to distill the most commonly heard arguments against the 21 year old drinking age. Many of these arguments are myths or misperceptions of fact. Some are outright fictions. Some are sincere concerns for rights and liberties that are no less valid simply because they compete with other, equally valid rights. All are views strongly held by many people, the vast majority of whom are honestly motivated by and interested in the freedom and well being of young Americans. Those who see the drinking age 21 as an essential step toward preserving that freedom and well being need to treat their opponents and their arguments with respect. Legitimate concerns and sincere questions deserve respectful, logical responses.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1985-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 26 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Legal drinking age; Motivation; Psychological aspects; Public opinion; Studies
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00452210
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-806 704
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 31 1986 12:00AM