You have to be 21-years-old to consume alcohol in the United States. This law just recently celebrated its 28th anniversary.
Before, you only had to be 18-years-old to drink. Some are even still fighting to get the age limit dropped back down again, saying that if you can go to war then you should be able to have a drink. Others argue that we should follow in the footsteps of Europeans, with an 18 age limit, because they have fewer alcohol-related issues than we do.
These arguments are little more than made-up half truths. In fact, since the drinking age was raised to 21-years-old, thousands of lives have been saved, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
What might be most beneficial in fighting to prevent drunk driving accidents is the input of parents. Unfortunately, teen drivers, although not old enough to legally drink, are at high risks for alcohol-related car accidents. Parents are asked to sit down and to talk with the teen driver in your family about the dangers that are associated with drinking and driving. To help you to do this, MADD offers you the Power of Parents program.
Nearly 75 percent of kids turn to their parents for guidance. You might not think it because it seems we’re constantly fighting them, but the truth of the matter is that parents are some of the most influential people in these teen’s impressionable lives. Our Plantation accident lawyers understand that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenage drivers in the country. We’re asking parents to set some ground rules with their teen drivers. One of the most important rules that you can have is to prohibit drinking and driving!
We support MADD’s mission and their fight for the rights of those who have been injured in drunk driving car accidents in the area. The fight against these accidents is a three-pronged approach, including better education efforts, tougher enforcement and better care of victim’s rights.
MADD is asking residents to help in this fight. Advocates are asking residents to support House Joint Resolution 106 (H. J. Res. 106) by asking their U.S. Reps to co-sponsor the amendment. It’s easy and will only take a few minutes. These few minutes will help to better protect the rights of victims by allowing them to stay in the loop with court proceedings. They would be better informed about these proceedings, be allowed to attend them and be able to know about important decisions involving these cases.
Currently, each state has various statutory laws that protect rights for victims. Unfortunately, most of them are ineffective.
All you have to do is call or write. Only 100 co-sponsors are needed to move the amendment forward.
Victims are not always notified as to when there is a sentencing or a hearing or even when there is a pretrial release of the defendant.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call Freeman & Mallard for a free consultation. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
MADD and the NFL Team Up to Prevent Drunk Driving-Related Teen Car Accidents in Hollywood and Elsewhere
December 9, 2011
Drunk Driving Accidents Expected to Increase with Alcohol-Serving Fast Food Chains
July 14, 2011