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

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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.

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