hts in 1994, 72.3% of the fatally injured drivers 25 years old or older were intoxicated, as compared to 57.7% of drivers under the age of 25 (MADD). In this particular study and situation it seems that older individuals drink and drive more. So why would a drinking age of 21 seem relevant? Two different studies completed by an English organization and an American organization illustrates the number of auto accidents and alcohol related accidents. The study completed by an English organization showed that in 1996, 540 people were killed in drinking and driving accidents, that is one in six of all deaths in automobile accidents involve alcohol (Alcohol Concern). An American organization found that there were 41,907 automobile fatalities that occurred in 1996. Of those 41,907 fatal accidents, 17,126 involved alcohol use (MADD). That is practically one in every two or three fatalities involved the use of alcohol. Many American studies have concluded that drunken driving fatalities have decreased since 1985. Why then does England have a lower ratio of fatalities that involve alcohol? It all comes down to responsibility. It seems that the age of alcohol use at 21 is doing very little to combat drinking and driving. Many states across America are fighting to prevent drinking and driving. Strict laws pertaining to drinking and driving need to be constructed and strictly enforced. The age limit of consuming alcohol is not dilemma, drinking and driving is the concern. There needs to be strict punishment for those individuals involved in drinking and driving. First off, the individual’s driving privilege needs to be revoked for a good number of years. Problem individuals need to be taught their lesson through strict consequences. The only way someone is going to learn from their mistake is the consequences that are involved. Many DWI offenders get a second and even a third DWI. Something is wrong with the American gover...
