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Underage drinking is a huge issue in college and while many of you are going to do it regardless, its important that you always think about safety first.  I know many of you are going to do it to fit in or just have a fun time.  If you’re going to do it in a controlled environment, then okay, it’s going to be hard for someone to talk you out of it.

The thing that you want to avoid is getting behind the wheel of a car, or doing something that you wouldn’t have done sober.  Alcohol can do some crazy things to you and it’s always best to mature a little bit before you pound 18 beers in one night.  You don’t want to end up in the hospital facing $1,000 of in charges.

Let’s take a look at some statistics that you may have not known about when it comes to underage drinking…

  • By the end of High School, it is estimated that 3 out of every 4 students have consumed some sort of drink.  This is over 75% of the population.
  • While percentages are fairly close, it’s reported that females tend to drink underage compared to males.
  • College students that are full time in college are more likely to drink than those that are only part time.
  • By 8th grade, 40% of students have tried some sort of alcohol.
  • Half of all 12th graders have reported being drunk once in their lifetime.
  • Among driving, the number one causes of death is youth driving.
  • 28% of 15-20 year old drivers were drinking in motor accidents in 2005.
  • 16% of all drinking is done by underage drinkers.
  • 7.2 million people ages 12 to 20 have been involved with binge drinking.
  • Half of underage drinkers do it at somebody’s house.
  • Studies have shown that those that underage drink heavily produce a greater risk of depending on alcohol in a later stage in life.
  • Around 40% of teens state that they received alcohol from adults for free.
  • 4% of teens get the drinks from their own home.
  • Only 60% of stores ask for identification.
  • In college, freshman are at the greatest risk when it comes to binge drinking and poisoning.

The list can go on and one.  While these stats can be eye opening, you can avoid things like this.  Like I said, will you drink?  Probably.  Just be safe with your surroundings, look for each other, and NEVER get behind the wheel when thinking about driving.  Always play it safe.

Source for facts:  SAMHSA | NHTSA