Dan Levine

About the author: Dan Levine is a staff writer for the Hartford Advocate.

Intended to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities, the minimum drinking age of twenty-one became the law in 1984 as then-President Reagan gave in to pressure from anti-drunk driving activists. There remains, however, no conclusive evidence that declines in traffic fatalities can be attributed directly to the passage of this law. Many factors, such as education, designated driver programs, and free taxi services from bars and restaurants have raised public awareness about the perils of drunk driving. In addition, the age twenty-one drinking law has unintended negative consequences. Many high school and college students rebel against this restriction on their freedom and consume alcohol in an irresponsible manner, resulting in reckless and violent...