Drinking and driving has caused a considerable amount suffering to those that have been a victim of it. A countless amount of money and resources have been dedicated to this cause over the years. What is equally dangerous, but less talked about, is under age drinking and driving. While it is illegal to consume any type of alcoholic beverage if you are under the age of 21, that certainly does not stop millions of underage drinkers from getting behind the wheel.

Since car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death among young people, harsh laws have been enacted for anyone under the age of 21 with any trace of alcohol in their system while operating a motor vehicle. For example, in Illinois, there is a "Use It or Lose It" zero tolerance policy. First offenders have their driver’s license suspended for a minimum of three months and a six-month suspension for refusal to submit to a blood or urine test. For second time offenders, the penalty is an automatic one-year suspension and a two-year suspension for refusal to submit to a blood or urine test.

Under this law, DUI arrests decreased by 11% percent in Illinois, causing other states to enact similar laws. California, for example, has an equally tough law. Anyone that is under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of 0.01 is automatically convicted of a DUI. For most, this can mean consuming as little as a 12-ounce beer. A judge has the option of confiscating the minor’s vehicle, but in all cases, fines will be administered along with a lengthy loss of driving privileges.

In addition to the immediate consequences, there are long term effects, such as increased insurance and denial of future employment.

By Brian J. Murphy