The legal penalties associated with underage drinking, public intoxication, and driving under the influence can influence one's decision to drink. All 50 states now have a minimum drinking age of 21.

Researchers point out that nighttime traffic fatalities have decreased since the drinking age was raised to 21.

Nighttime driving, aggressive driving, and teen driving inexperience all contribute greatly to drunk driving deaths.

Studies also show that high school seniors consume less alcohol and spend less time in drinking establishments.

The following pages provide some basic information about your state's laws concerning the possession, consumption and purchase of alcohol.