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Why is the drinking age in america higher than other country’s?

Dr. Aris Thorne
Dr. Aris Thorne
Senior Science Editor · Feb 25, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

Because in the 60s and 70s there was a rash of drunk driving fatalities caused by drunk teenage drivers. There were pretty much two choices available — raise the drinking age, or raise the driving age. I think they made the right choice.

66
Words

1 min
Read Time

#238
of 500 in History

-8%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

Because in the 60s and 70s there was a rash of drunk driving fatalities caused by drunk teenage drivers. There were pretty much two choices available — raise the drinking age, or raise the driving age. I think they made the right choice. And say what you want about the decisions, but the results are clear — drunk driving deaths plummeted after these laws were passed.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Drunk, driving, raise

This explanation focuses on drunk, driving, raise and spans 66 words across 4 sentences. The depth is typical for History questions (category average: 72 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “Because in the 60s and 70s there was a rash of drunk driving fatalities caused by drunk teenage drivers.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.

How This Compares in History

Ranked #238 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 48%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why the drinking age in america higher than other country's?

Because in the 60s and 70s there was a rash of drunk driving fatalities caused by drunk teenage drivers. There were pretty much two choices available — raise the drinking age, or raise the driving age. I think they made the right choice. And say…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?

This is an above-average answer at 66 words, ranked #238 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are drunk, driving, raise.

What approach does this answer take to explain the drinking age in america higher than other country's?

The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 66 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.