Reasons for not lowering the drinking age to 18?

Question

I was interested in this debate: Should the legal drinking age be lowered to 18

I only want reasons for not lowering the legal age

Answer 1

Well insurance companies make money this way

Answer 2

Well, currently, states have exclusive control over the drinking age, except on federal bases or installations.

However, if the states do lower the drinking age, Congress withholds millions of dollars in federal highway funds. So, to get those funds, the states must agree with the preferences of Congress.

As far as policy reasons, the numbers were set based on statistical studies that showed people between 17-20 were more likely to get into fatal or near-fatal accidents because of drinking. And by raising the drinking age, many of those accidents were averted. That provided the link Congress needed to make the highway funds conditional upon state's setting the age to 21.

Assuming those studies are accurate, then reducing the drinking age will result in an increased number of fatal or near-fatal vehicle accidents.

Answer 3

Ever tried to follow an 18 year old in a car? They swerve in and out of traffic, run red lights, race other 18 year olds, and in general make life threatening decisions. Now, add alcohol to the mix. 18 year olds in general are not mature enough to make the decisions that go along with intoxication. They do not have enough life experience to handle reason and mind altering substances, and still be able to make rational decisions.

Answer 4

They were lowered to the age of 18 in Michigan as a matter of fact the year I turned 18. How cool! Anyway, there was a sharp increase in alcohol related deaths amongst the 18-21 crowd, so oddly enough the year I turned 22, they took it back up to 21. Young people believe they are too infallible and you add testosterone, and alcohol to that and you have a deadly mixture.

Answer 5

It often takes a long time to learn to handle the jump from childhood to wo/manhood. Toys are toys are toys and some are more dangerous than perceived.

A large part of the 30,000 auto deaths each year are teens. Mix teens with alcohol and something will happen, and we can't afford to lose those youngsters.

Answer 6

18 year olds are not quite as mature as we'd hope for. (Some 21 year olds haven't reached maturity either.)

Most 18 year olds who opt to drink do so for exploration and experimentaiton. These along with their immaturity produce a really bad and lethal combination. Most do not know when to stop or lack the knowledge of what to mix and combine.

Most importantly, the earlier we start drinking, we expose our organs to damage much sooner.

Answer 7

I happen to like that the drinking age in Illinois is 21yo. At this age, there's more responsibility and maturity seen at that age. Maybe if the state loosens up to allow 19yo (ok, maybe 18yo) to drink in their home residences. Give it time, I'm in my forties so I won't have the same views as the 18yo's. Sorry.

Answer 8

1. Because most (but not all) 18 year olds today are incrediblly immature. For example, some are into "street racing," and then a lot of other stand around and cheer like a pack of wild animals.

2. Because the liberal notion of: "They're going to do it anyway whether you like it or not" is invalid, insane and worthy of treatment by electroshock therapy.

3. Because it will incite more drunken driving in an age group that's already the highest risk catgory.

Answer 9

i live in uk and the legal age is 18....i agree with it a lot more than 21.... at 18 your still young and being introduced to alcohol is a big thing....21 you have a lot more responsibilities you could mess up althouh uk does have a big drink problem....scotts and irish are famously big drinkers and of course english yobs are very famous....but i love drinking and uk has a big party atmosphere..

Answer 10

Go to your school library and do some actual research. In a debate, oftentimes you will be asked where you got your information from. "Yahoo Answers" will make you look like a friggin moron. Try EbscoHost, your school probably has a free account.

Answer 11

The Main reason is because they don't kids drunk at school.

All arguments against it are stupid. If you can die for your country and if you can select the president you should be able to decide to have a drink.