Minimum 21-year-old drinking age laws prevented an estimated 4,441 drunken driving deaths in the last five years alone, according to a new report released Thursday, Nov. 6, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Turning our back on these laws would be a deadly mistake,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Kelly, who presented the report at a symposium on the subject led by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “Minimum drinking age laws are among the most effective measures ever used to reduce drunken driving deaths among America’s young people.”
The NHTSA study also shows the number of lives saved by motorcycle helmets has risen sharply in recent years, paralleling an increase in motorcycle use. Agency estimates indicate that lives saved by helmets rose from 1,173 in 2003 to 1,784 in 2007. For the five-year period ending last year, fully 7,502 lives were spared because motorcyclists used helmets.
The statistical report also examined a series of additional safety issues, and showed that in 2007 alone:
To view the report, click here.
