The nature of the alcohol problem in U.S. fatal crashes.

Alcohol is involved in more than half of all U.S. traffic fatalities. In 1987, an estimated 23, 630 people were killed in alcohol- related crashes. Alcohol- related traffic fatalities continue to be the leading cause of death for young people. Reasons for the reduction in alcohol appear to be: increased public awareness of the problem during that time period; tougher laws and better enforcement of existing laws by state and local governments; and the raising of the drinking age to 21 in most states.