In 2007, the cost U.S. citizens had to shelf out to pay for minors caught in an accident due to intoxication and drunkenness was an astounding $68 billion! The costs paid for their insurance, medical care, post surgery, trauma, and rehabilitation. In terms of direct cost through medical care and loss of income of a parent tending for her underage child, the amount is a shocking $22.3 billion every year.

Is it any wonder that several states, including California, have put together a bill that will penalize adults who supply or give alcoholic drinks to underage teenagers? The bill has passed deliberation with a 67-1 vote in favor of the bill. All it needs for now is approval by the Governor of California before it can be implemented.

California DUI Accident Attorneys

The reality of uncontrolled abuse by adults in giving alcohol to minors is shocking, to say the least. As adults, we are the ones who should be mature to know when and who to be “social host” to as far as intoxicating beverages are concerned. What’s so sad is that youth violence such as suicide, assault, homicide, and vehicular accidents are mostly caused by alcohol abuse.

There is a reason why we have made a distinction between minors and adults. As minors, there is the element of recklessness and abandon joie de vivre because of youth and immaturity.  This is why there are age requirements or strict limitations for permits to drive, to travel solo, or even to vote, and they all have to do with the same reasons as minors are not being allowed to drink.

Strangely, there are groups that argue against this bill debating the fact that people at the age of 18 should be able to make decisions on their own. Therefore, any actions they may make related to alcohol excesses should not be passed on to the person who handed him or her a drink.

Sacramento Auto Accident Statistics

Let’s take an even harder look at the statistics. In 2006, there were over 2,000 homicides, almost 1 million non fatal crimes, and almost 2 million property crimes perpetuated by an underage drinker, who were caught during or after the crime was committed.

In 2007,  almost 2,00 people died because of a drunk underage driver, and over 48,000 nonfatal but traumatic injuries from an accident caused by an underage drunk driver. Finally, in 2006, almost 160,000 young girls got pregnant because of being under the influence or having sex with someone who was underage and drunk. Are these figures real? Shouldn’t we even consider more drastic action to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and limb?

Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer

Demas Law Group remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas Law Group attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.