Drinking Age

**DJ Ms. White** · 04-27-10, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by Captain Coors

IMO alcohol and drug laws have less to do with protecting you from yourself than they do protecting ME from you.

Not you personally of course, just rhetorically speaking.

For ex. until statistics start to refute the fact that young drivers drink and drive more, and get in more accidents than older people, that's a pretty big mark to overcome. Blame it on your peers.

+1

**Rawr** · 04-27-10, 07:13 PM

Interesting, here's something I found on canadian drivers.

Table 1
Percent of Drinking Drivers in Fatal Crashes Compared to Licensed Drivers by Age Group, 2003-2005
Age Group % of drinking drivers in fatal crashes % of licensed drivers
16-19 years 10.7% 4.8%
20-24 years 21.6% 8.1%
25-34 years 25.1% 17.7%
35-44 years 19.6% 21.7%
45-54 years 13.2% 20.6%
55-64 years 6.2% 14.2%
65+ years 3.7% 12.9%

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/t...9-menu-397.htm (it's easier to read that table)

This shows that the larger portion of accidents or at least fatal ones occur with people that are legally allowed to drink. I'm not the best statistician but I guess those first years of being legally able to drink may be more dangerous, which I guess would be a reason against a drinking age below 21. Still sucks when irresponsible people, which would be a very large percentage (especially at my age) tend to ruin everything.

I need to search for more.

**Veovis** · 04-27-10, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Captain Coors

IMO alcohol and drug laws have less to do with protecting you from yourself than they do protecting ME from you.

Not you personally of course, just rhetorically speaking.

For ex. until statistics start to refute the fact that young drivers drink and drive more, and get in more accidents than older people, that's a pretty big mark to overcome. Blame it on your peers.

I think it's ironic that when drinking and driving is an issue, the "solution" always seems to address drinking (and ignore the driving).

I think people who cause traffic accidents (whether sober, drunk, tired, or just plain stupid) should be held much more accountable then they currently are. And those who can drive flawlessly for 10+ years while tired, drunk, and egotistical, can continue to do so peacefully.

**DJ Ms. White** · 04-27-10, 07:16 PM

I didn't type that.

Clever boy catching your error.

**Rawr** · 04-27-10, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. White

I didn't type that.

Clever boy catching your error.

ahah, I like to see all the facts. It may be more dangerous but "waaaa waaaa I want to legally drink" ;-)

I think what bugs me the most is living abroad and having beer / wine with dinner, then I return an can't do that again for a year, it does irk me, but I can see where the danger lies.

Edit* Although the transportation in Europe may be different, maybe it's also the attitude towards alcohol that our country seems to have. People tend to have a more "It's the DEVIL'S drink" kind of mentality when compared to the beer gardens and wine of Europe, which may cause people to rebel more perhaps.

**Blakeman** · 04-27-10, 07:48 PM

I honestly think the only ones that should be allowed to drink under the current age limit should be those in active service in the military.

Drinking isn't wonderful, but it is ok on occasion.

**DJ Ms. White** · 04-27-10, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Blakeman

I honestly think the only ones that should be allowed to drink under the current age limit should be those in active service in the military.

Drinking isn't wonderful, but it is ok on occasion.

You, sir, need to go drinking with me and try the beer/liquor I drink. You'll start thinking booze is wonderful. I guarantee it.

**Anti-Squeaker** · 04-27-10, 08:00 PM

I think the drinking age should be 18 for beer/cocktails and the like, and 21 for hard liquors.

**Blakeman** · 04-27-10, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. White

Originally Posted by Blakeman

I honestly think the only ones that should be allowed to drink under the current age limit should be those in active service in the military.

Drinking isn't wonderful, but it is ok on occasion.

You, sir, need to go drinking with me and try the beer/liquor I drink. You'll start thinking booze is wonderful. I guarantee it.

Well I love beer, but I don't think I could live without it, thus it isn't wonderful.

Drinking to get really drunk is not fun for anyone.

**Rawr** · 04-27-10, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. White

Originally Posted by Blakeman

I honestly think the only ones that should be allowed to drink under the current age limit should be those in active service in the military.

Drinking isn't wonderful, but it is ok on occasion.

You, sir, need to go drinking with me and try the beer/liquor I drink. You'll start thinking booze is wonderful. I guarantee it.

Oooo care to elaborate?