The brochure, "Zero Tolerance – Tough Penalties for Underage Drinking and Driving”, explains the details of the Zero Tolerance Law, reasons for this law, and its desired consequences. Write an essay analyzing how the author shows that reckless behavior of drinking and driving is addressed through the Zero Tolerance Law. Use evidence from the brochure to support your response. What Does Pennsylvania Law Say About
Underage Drinking?
It is illegal in Pennsylvania for persons under the
age of 21 to attempt to purchase, consume, possess
or transport any alcohol, liquor, malt or brewed
beverages. Drivers under age 21 face tough
penalties under Pennsylvania’s Zero Tolerance Law.
The law stipulates that minors who have any
measurable alcohol in their system may be charged
with drunk driving.
What Are the Guidelines of the Zero
Tolerance Law?
If you are under 21, it is illegal to drive with any
measurable alcohol in your blood. The Zero
Tolerance Law reduced the Blood Alcohol Content
(BAC) required to charge minors (under age 21) with
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) from .08 percent
to .02 percent.
Why Did the Legislature Pass This Law?
Traffic crashes are the number one cause of
death for teenagers in the United States. Statistics
have shown that
alcohol is a
contributing factor in
many deaths of
drivers between the
ages of 16 and 20. These alarming statistics
prompted state legislators to be tougher on young
drivers who drink, and to specify that for those
under 21, even one drink is one too many.
Is Pennsylvania the Only State with a
Zero Tolerance Law?
No! It is illegal in every state for persons under
the age of 21 to purchase and publicly possess
alcohol beverages. A Zero Tolerance Law makes it
illegal for those under the age of 21 to drive with
any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood.
Currently, every state and the District of Columbia
have set a BAC limit of .02 percent or lower for
drivers under age 21.
How Can You Fight Against Underage
Drinking and Driving?
Communities, schools and individuals should
encourage police to promote and enforce Zero
Tolerance Laws for youth. Police are likely to
emphasize their community’s priorities. Therefore,
you should let them know that the community
supports laws to prevent underage drinking and
driving and supports strict enforcement of these
laws. Most important, don’t drink if you are under
21. It’s not worth the consequences.