Legal Drinking Age in Alberta

The provincial government in Alberta is considering raising the legal drinking age to 19 in order to cut back on the number of fatal drunk driving related collisions. However, according to the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (2000), nearly one third (31.7\%) of all the fatal collisions in which the drivers blood alcohol level was over the legal limit fell in the age group of 36-45. Following close behind was the age group 26-35 with 21.7\%, and in third place, the age group 20-25 with 11.7\%.

The group of people directly affected by this law, 16-19, were responsible for a mere 8.3\% of all collisions. If the province wants to decrease the number of fatalities caused by drunk driving shouldn't they target those in the majority (19 and up)?

By signing this petition, you agree that the legal drinking age should remain at it's current age, 18, and instead a program should be implemented teaching the effect of alcohol on the body and the consequences of drinking and driving (much like the mission possible campaign for seat belts). This program can be delivered to schools and workplaces alike, which in turn reaches a larger percentage of the population.

Knowledge is power, and that power takes a much deeper root then a simple restriction. Give people of all ages the power to make the best decision.