Join Together
Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here

What Can I Do?



Continuing Education
Free online courses for addiction counselors LEARN ONLINE

Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP

 

Study Links Car Crashes to Lower Drinking Age
November 30, 2005

Share Share Email
email
Print
print
SubscribeSubscribe
Research Summary

New Zealand's decision to lower its drinking age to 18 six years ago has led to an increase in alcohol-related car crashes among the nation's youth, according to a study from the PIRE Public Services Research Institute.

Ascribe reported Nov. 28 that researchers found that alcohol-related crashes resulting in injuries rose 12 percent among 18- to 19-year-olds and 14 percent among 15- to 17-year olds since the drinking age was lowered.

"Most remarkable was the trickle-down effect that was seen in the 15- to 17-year-olds," said PIRE researcher Robert Voas, Ph.D. "Clearly, they're getting alcohol from older friends."

Researchers say that hundreds of lives could be saved in New Zealand by raising the drinking age again.

The study is published in the January 2006 issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Submissions are held for review and approval.
Please read the guidelines before posting.

Name:

Comment:
(limit 250
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

Guidelines for comments