YOUNG, DRUNK, DANGEROUS AND DRIVING - UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRIVING RESEARCH FINDINGS

Drug and alcohol abuse has been identified by a number of Commentators as the number one problem facing the youth of America. Fatal vehicula r accidents resulting from drunk driving is the number one cause of de ath among the fifteen to twenty-four-year-old age group. This report p rovides a summary of major, recent research findings concerning illega l alcohol use and intoxicated driving among American youth. The follow ing questions are raised and answered: What does research tell us abou t the nature of underage drinking and driving? What health, social and legal ramifications are associated with drinking and driving? What ar e the characteristics and behavioral patterns of underage drinkers who drive?