Underage Drinking: The Risks
In the United States, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to buy alcohol. However, many state laws include provisions that allow minors to drink in certain conditions, such as when with family or at religious ceremonies. However, the dangers of underage drinking usually arise when minors find ways to drink at other times. Underage drinking is quite common; unfortunately, it can also be quite dangerous for both the individuals who drink and those they may encounter.
Statistics on Underage Drinking
Most people who are 21 and over support the current laws prohibiting sale of alcohol to minors, as well as most possession and consumption of alcohol by minors. This is because it carries many risks, as highlighted by these statistics:
- Approximately 1 out of 3 teens who dies in a car accident had been drinking
- The three most common causes of death for minors are murder, suicide, and car accidents, and alcohol is a common contributing factor in all three
- Alcohol use by teens leads to over 5,000 teen deaths each year
- 90% of alcohol consumption by minors is categorized as binge drinking according to the CDC
This binge drinking statistic is especially alarming. One of the greatest dangers of binge drinking among minors is that they frequently drive after consuming a lot of alcohol in a short period of time. They may seem OK when they get into their vehicle, but within minutes they might become too incapacitated to drive, leading to serious accidents.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by an underage drunk driver, contact the Chicago car accident lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200 today. You may be entitled to pursue financial compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and any other related damages.