Reduction in motor vehicle fatalities associated with an increase in the minimum drinking age

Abstract

Motor vehicle injuries are responsible for nearly 40% of the deaths that occur among persons aged 15 through 24 years. Approximately half of these deaths involve drunk drivers. In response to the problem of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), some states raised their minimum drinking age, increased penalties for DUI, or both. Other states vigorously resisted federal pressure to increase their drinking age, and some researchers have questioned the utility of this approach. Tennessee increased penalties for DUI in 1982 and raised the drinking age to 21 years in 1984. Alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths declined by 33% among persons aged 15 through 18 years, probably because of publicity. Our results suggest that it may be particularly important to maintain continuous, high-profile anti-DUI programs within high schools. Alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths declined 38% among persons aged 19 through 20 years; this effect appears to be attributable to the increase in drinking age and to be durable despite decreased publicity.