Should The Drinking Age Be Lowered?

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Should the drinking age be lowered? Some people believe lowering the drinking age would be a good thing. However, others believe the drinking age should not be lowered because the brain is still developing until about the age of 25. ( SAMHSA). Drinking alcohol underage can affect a developing brain in many ways. Drinking alcohol, even at the age of 18 can be dangerous because the brain is continuing development. Drinking under the influence can be more dangerous for inexperienced drivers. When the drinking age was raised from 18 to 21, it helped young drivers be safe while driving. According to Jen Christensen, “when the drinking age was raised, the number of fatal crashes involving a young driver dropped significantly, from 61% in 1982 to …show more content…
(Health Research Funding, January 3, 2015). In countries where the drinking age is 18, it has been shown that there are less drunk driving crashes. (Procon, March 10 2014) It has also been proven that driving accidents involving people under the influence are more likely to happen to people who are new to drinking. Regardless of what the legal drinking age is, accidents involving drunk drivers who are new to alcohol are more likely to get into accidents. By lowering the drinking age to 18 it will cause more accidents from drunk driving because they would be new drivers and be legally able to drink …show more content…
In some religions a minor under the age of 18 is allowed to drink during religious ceremonies. (Procon, March 10 2014). This does not violate the law because it is legal to consume alcohol underage with a parents’ consent and for religious reasons. Alcohol can also be consumed for medical reasons. If a doctor prescribes a minor alcohol, for medical reasons it is legal because it is for a medical treatment. In 29 states around the United States, it is legal for an adolescent to drink alcohol with a parents’ consent and with their presence. (Health Research Funding, January 3, 2015). If an adult is present with the underage drinker it is legal. It is a violation for an adult to leave a child to drink without their supervision. Although with parents consent, an adolescent can drink alcohol, a parent can be irresponsible and the adolescent can be left with alcohol which can be

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