Research on the involvement of young drivers in alcohol related highway crashes has produced the following findings: (1) Eighteen year old drivers have the highest rate of alcohol crashes of any age group; (2) While less than two percent of licensed drivers are 18 years old they are involved in over seven percent of alcohol related crashes, and nine percent of alcohol related fatal crashes; (3) Alcohol related crashes result in over 25% of all 18 year old deaths in New York State outside of New York City; (4) Eighteen year old drinking drivers will cost New York State over 90 million dollars in medical costs, insurance costs, emergency services, lost income and property damage resulting from alcohol related crashes in 1982; and (5) The difference in purchase age between New York and Pennsylvania attracts young Pennsylvania drivers to cross the border to drink. These young Pennsylvania drivers are involved in one out of ten alcohol related crashes in the 10 New York border counties. These statistics indicate a need for implementation of policies and programs which will result in immediate reduction of the young drinking driver problem. The policy which has received a great deal of attention nationally and in New York State is raising the legal minimum purchase age for alcoholic beverages..
Abstract