should the drinking age be lowered to 18?

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In 2009, about 10.4 million young people between ages 12 and 20 drank more than “just a few sips” of alcohol (Underage). The drinking age should be lowered to age 18 because teens are considered adults at this age, less people in jail for hosting underage drinking, and teens can be taught responsible drinking. Although there is a negative side to lowering the drinking age because it can cause more motor-vehicle accidents, greater chance for alcohol problems, and the health risk it can cause. There is also warning signs to look for in a teen that is drinking underage the age of 21.
Teens that are 18 are looked as adults –Teens at the age of 18 are “adults” they can vote, go get married, serve for the country, go to jury duties, and move out on their own. They really don’t need their parents anymore telling them what’s right and wrong in today’s society. Under the age of 21 drinking is seen as “forbidden fruit”, a “Badge of rebellion against authority” and a symbol of adulthood. Today were repeating history and making the same mistakes that occurred in the past. Prohibition did not work then and prohibition for young people under the age of 21 is not working now.(Dr. Ruth)
Motor-vehicle accidents are more likely to happen with teens. There are already enough accidents with drinking and driving that is why it is a big deal when someone does it and announced a lot not to do it , because it serious, and can be fatal, it also puts other in danger who aren’t involved with alcohol. In 2006, 2,121 people ages 16-20 died in alcohol-related fatalities on U.S roads, according to data compiled for me by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; in 1984 the figure was 4,2612. (Cloud) Although there is a decrease in drinking and dri...

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...tion Center. The risks of underage drinking before the age of 21 are serious and aren’t looked at by the teens that are drinking.

Works Cited
Cloud, John. "Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered." n.d.: n. pag. TIME.com. Time, 06 June 2008. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.
Dr. Ruth Engs." Why Drinking Age Should Be Lowered (1998): n. pag. Why Drinking Age Should Be Lowered: Dr. Ruth Engs. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.
Hall, Kelly. "Underage Drinking Even Riskier Than You Might Realize." Richmond Family Magazine. N.p., Mar. 2011. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.
Ogilvie, Jessica Pauline. "Is Lowering the Drinking Age a Good Idea?" Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2011. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.
"Regional Prevention Center." Regional Prevention Center. N.p., 26 Aug. 2006. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.
"Underage Drinking." National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

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