Several approaches have been used to reduce the alcohol-related crash rate among young drivers. Some policy and legislative approaches are discussed, together with some strategies based on education and persuasion. The two general types of legal and policy approaches are those designed to reduce young people's access to alcohol, and those designed to reduce driving by young people or restrict the circumstances in which they drive. In the 1980s, the drinking age in the USA was raised to 21, and many young lives were saved as a result. Research indicates that the following additional legislative and policy measures would be effective: (1) more vigorous enforcement of minimum age for buying alcohol; (2) decreased availability of alcohol to youth, especially through higher prices; (3) graduated and provisional licensing for young drivers; (4) raising the age of licensing; (5) lower blood alcohol content (BAC) levels for youth; and (6) licence revocation for drink-driving offences. It would be much better and cost-effective if people could be persuaded that impaired driving is not in the best interests of individuals or society. Research is now being done to understand better the motivations, values, and norms that can prevent or promote impaired driving behaviour.
Abstract