Why does USA has such a high legal drinking age at 21?
We had a drinking age of 18 in most states, but the incidence of drunk driving was very high. (18 – 21) The cost in deaths and injuries was very high. So states started voting in the 21 age limit. Yeah, I think it was forced by the federal highway funding. Theoretically, it is on thin legal ground, since an 18 yr old is a citizen with equal rights. Pragmatically, it works. The death toll and cost is markedly down. Illegal drinking occurs, of course, but less than if it was legal. And people 18 – 21 are a lot more careful to avoid driving drunk than the 21 + people.
