The argument is a complete load of BULLSHIT that is not supported by evidence . If you wanted to reduce drinking driving you would LOWER the drinking age to no higher than 14 and raise the driving age to no lower than 18 . Then people would get past the stage where they are doing stupid drinking and learn about the dangers before learning how to operate heavy machinery . I grew up in a country where I was frequenting bars from 14 , but didn ' t learn how to drive until I was 21 . I have NEVER driven drunk . ALL of the people who I grew up with have never faced a DWI as far as I know . We grew up in a system that allowed us to understand alcohol and ourselves before being able to operate heavy machinery that could kill someone . The logic of trying to curb drunk driving by raising the drinking age is completely flawed and disingenuous . The real reason they do it is about command and control and having a populous that is obedient , servile and fully indoctrinated into the capitalist system . They want the teenagers to hang out in malls learning to be good consumers rather than bars . Whether laws are passed or not , the truth is that no JUST government has the right to pass laws that govern what ANY individual chooses to do with their own body , including but not limited to what they imbibe , regardless of age . The government can and SHOULD , however , be able to licence the operation of heavy machinery and set age and qualification limits on who may be licensed to operate said machinery . The US does not have good government and thus injustices are made into law .