The drinking age was changed in the United States from 18 to 21 in the 1980s to combat drunk driving. While drunk driving is a horrible idea and a serious issue, times have changed since the 1980s. With the continuous innovation of technology and the creation of different apps, it takes the modern youngster 5 seconds to call an Uber or other form of transportation to pick them up. Also, most colleges offer safe rides that intoxicated students may use.
Another reason to change the drinking age is because at 18 years old, a fresh out of high school person can join the military and possibly sacrifice their life for our beautiful country. For their sacrifice, the least the government could do would be to allow them to legally drink a beer.
Additionally, at 18 years old a young person can buy a pack of cigarettes and vote in elections. Why are 18 year olds not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages when they can already make choices that drastically affect their lives? (going to college, working a full time job, joining the military, voting, choosing to smoke, signing a lease, giving sexual consent, establish a checking or savings account, get married, pay bills, be charged as an adult for crimes, be selected for jury, the list goes on and on and on)
