20th Safe & Sober Planner Operation ABC You Drink & Drive. You Lose. Call To Action Activities Guide Impaired Driving Blood Alcohol Concentration Zero Tolerance Repeat Offenders Program Brochure Resource Guide

To many young adults, a driver’s license is viewed as a symbol of independence and temporary break from parental control. However, the freedom a driver’s license affords does not come without responsibilities. As drivers who are relatively new to the road, young adults under the age of 21 are still learning to negotiate roadways and become familiar with the general rules of the road. Adding alcohol to the mix only complicates the matter. When alcohol is introduced into the situation, it not only affects the judgement of a driver and his/her ability to react, but also leaves the driver open to potential injury, property damage and criminal repercussions that can result in the loss of driving privileges, fines and possible incarceration. In some cases, these penalties can be even tougher for young adults, because as drivers under the age of 21, they are not only breaking the law of driving while intoxicated, but also the law of underage drinking.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies across the country practice a "zero tolerance" policy toward underage drivers and alcohol. To enforce this policy and better educate young adults about the dangers associated with impaired driving, NHTSA has instituted a public education initiative, You Drink & Drive. You Lose. to coincide with Spring Break, prom and graduation celebrations.

What does zero tolerance mean?
The zero tolerance policy ensures that underage drivers will face severe penalties if they are caught drinking and driving. If they possess a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level over .00, they will be found guilty of impaired driving. While this policy differs from the state-mandated BAC levels applicable to adult drivers over the age of 21, it is necessary to curb the amount of alcohol-related incidents involving underage drivers.

Why is zero tolerance necessary?
Research has shown that young impaired drivers are involved in fatal crashes at approximately twice the rate of adult drivers, aged 21 and over. And since 35 percent of all fatal crashes for underage drivers involve alcohol, it is imperative that young adults understand that the laws that have been established as a result of the zero tolerance policy are not meant to single out and punish young adults in particular, but rather to safeguard them against unsafe driving behaviors that threaten their well-being.

Why do different laws apply to young drivers than adults?
Zero tolerance laws provide for different policies regarding drivers under the age of 21 because of their increased crash level at low BAC levels. Studies show that more 18 and 19 year-olds die in low BAC alcohol-related crashes than any other group.

By encouraging safer driving habits at a younger age, NHTSA hopes to promote healthier driving behavior for the future. Young adults are an extremely active segment of the population, and traditionally receptive to social issues such as impaired driving. As such, they are vital to help spread the message that, regardless of age, You Drink & Drive. You Lose.