• FACT

Underage Drinking Risks include*:

1. Death – 4,358 people under age 21 die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning.
2. Serious injuries – More than 190,000 people under age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries in 2008 alone.
3. Impaired judgment – Drinking can cause kids to make poor decisions, which can then result in risky behavior like drinking and driving, sexual activity, or violence.
4. Increased risk for physical and sexual assault – Youth who drink are more likely to carry out or be the victim of a physical or sexual assault.
5. Brain development problems – Research shows that brain development continues well into a person’s twenties. Alcohol can affect this development, and contribute to a range of problems.

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• FACT

The 3 leading causes of death for 15 to 24 year olds are automobile crashes, homicides, and suicides.  Alcohol is a leading factor in all 3.**

• FACT

17% of fatal alcohol-related crashes each year are attributed to drivers under the age of 21.

Resource Links

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism *

DoSomething.org **

Driving Laws

Edgar Snyder & Associates