Underage driving: Frequency, consequences, and interventions

Despite research showing that a variety of interventions can reduce underage drinking and alcohol-related crash fatalities, the frequency of these behaviors remains high and the average age of drinking initiation is declining in the United States. Efforts are needed to enhance publicized enforcement of underage drinking laws. Comprehensive community interventions that include enforcement of these laws also are needed.This article assesses the drinking behavior and drinkingand- driving behavior of underage youth in the United States. European data are included when available. Motor vehiclerelated deaths associated with underage drinking, and trends in alcohol-related deaths are indicated. Selective interventions are presented that are specific to underage drinkers and show promise in reducing underage drinking and/or driving after drinking or alcohol-related crashes. For the full range of interventions applicable to underage drinking and its consequences, see the comprehensive National Research Council report on this topic (NAS, 2003)