1/23/2014
Is it time for a drink? [J] A nineteen year old is drinking at crazy party when the police force their way in. He is not being disorderly; yet will now get charged with a misdemeanor. Is this right? Should he be haunted by this stain on his record forever? How would this effect his life in the long run or, is the law really for the greater good of the people. [H] The definition of an adult is: A person who has attained the age of maturity as specified by the law in the US, that age is 18. With that age comes the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being an adult. It includes everything; good, bad and ugly. Everything except: Alcohol consumption. You can join the military at 18; you should be able to drink. M.A.D.D., in 2010 the highest drunk driving rates were found amongst those ages 21 to 25 (23.4%), and 18 to 20 (15.1%). After age 25, the drunk driving rates decrease. [J] In 2009 the 21 to 24 year old age group had the highest % of drivers in fatal crashes with BAC levels of .08 or higher. No matter what the age accidents will happen. Yes, accidents will happen but you are less likely to drive a vehicle when you’re intoxicated if your brain has a few more years to mature. I myself can say when I was 18 I didn’t care as much about myself or others but now I’m older I’m more aware of the consequences for a DUI and other charges if caught. [H] If you were to procure the ability to legally drink at a younger age you would gain the experience early: teaching you to be responsible sooner. [J] 44% of students attending 4 year colleges drink alcohol at the binge level or greater. Binge drinking is an extremely dangerous thing