all seven counties indicated 57 deaths during the period of 1965 through 1972 as compared to 173 deaths during 1973 to 1981, for an increase of 116 deaths. This clearly indicates that there were more youths killed when the drinking age was 18 as opposed to 21. Crossing the border was not as significant a problem as the age itself. Mr. Chairman, that concludes our testimony. We do feel that the drinking age alone is not the total answer, but that coupled with alcohol awareness programs has worked for us, and I am sure that it will work for other States also, and we totally support H.R. 3870. [The charts referred to follows:] The enactment of Senate Bill S-992, that became effective on January 1, 1973, added over one-half million potential drinking drivers to our highways. Accident statistics are available for this age group (18 - 19 - 20); however, alcohol involvement relative to accidents is available only in accidents where fatalities occur. Listed below are statistics indicating the involvement of drivers in accidents in the 18 to 20 year-old age group. The year 1972 is used as a base, being the year prior to the Age of Majority. On January 2, 1980, Senate Bill S-1126 was signed into law as Chapter 260, Laws of 1979, which extends to persons 19 years of age and older the right to sell, purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. The figures below reflect those drivers in the 19-20 year-old age group. The figures below reflect the drivers in the 18 year-old age group. (18) 16,552 6,183 *58 *Figures include seven accidents where the drivers were combined in the 18-19-20 year-old age group. 29.5 Mr. FLORIO. Thank you very much. We are now pleased to hear from Mr. Nicholas DeLuca, who is the administrative assistant to Senator Frank Graves, who I was very pleased to serve in the legislature with, and who has really been the sparkplug in New Jersey in the efforts to increase the drinking age. Mr. DeLuca, welcome to the committee. STATEMENT OF NICHOLAS DeLUCCIA Mr. DELUCCIA. Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Nicholas DeLuccia, representing New Jersey State Senator Frank X. Graves, who incidentally would have been here this morning except his dad is critically ill, and he is at his side. Mr. FLORIO. I understand. Mr. DELUCCIA. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to appear before your committee concerning H.R. 3870, which would raise the drinking age to 21 uniformly across the country. As the main sponsor of the legislation in raising the drinking age from 18 to 21 in the State of New Jersey, Senator Graves is extremely supportive of your efforts to try and raise the drinking age on a national level. The calculations of success of this legislation in New Jersey alone have been overwhelmingly remarkable. The State police have released statistics this year showing a remarkable reduction in deaths and injuries among 18- to 20-year-olds. We just heard some of the statistics, but I would like to repeat them. Every indication supports the increase in age to relieve us of a terrible mistake we made 11 years ago when we reduced the age to 18 to purchase liquor. Some of the specific figures released by the New Jersey State Police involved accidents of 18-year-olds, and the number has fallen from 79 for the first 6 months of last year to 52 for a comparable period this year, the number of fatalities from 90 to 60, and across the State the number of people killed again is down from 680 to 589. Some of the statements I would like to make now, I hope that Mr. Richardson would be able to stay, but because of pressing business, I know he had to leave. There are many arguments presented by the youth such as I am old enough to fight and die for my country, I am old enough to get married, I am old enough to own a home; why can I not purchase or drink alcoholic beverages? Let us take the first argument first: I am old enough to fight for my country. What we must remember is that the individual is brought in and trained intensively for 4 to 6 months. He does not just run into battle with a loaded gun and make a major decision. He is constantly supervised and watched over during these periods. A vast difference from a guy who grabs a bar stool and drinks until he falls off. I urge you and those who serve with you to save the lives of our youth by passing this legislation. I realize the numbers are small, in the minority, but enough for us to curb this permissive law. And I would also like to thank you, Chairman Florio, and your committee for introducing this bill. Thank you very much. [The text of Frank X. Graves, Jr's., statement follows:] As the main sponsor of legislation raising the drinking age from 18-21, are in Jersey of your efforts to do this on a National level. Because my father is critically ill and I am confined to the area, I am sending Nicholas Deluccia to appear. He was my Chief Aide at the time of this legislation. The calculations of the success of this legislation, in New Jersey alone, have been overwhelmingly remarkable. The State Police have released statistics. for this year that show a remarkable reduction in death and injuries for ine 18 - 20 year old bracket. Every indication overwhelmingly supports the increase on age to relieve us of the terrible mistake made 11 years ago. to own There were many arguments presented...I am old enough to fight and die for my country; I am old enough to get married and I am old enough home. Why can't I purchase or drink alcoholic beverages? Let's take the first argument, I am old enough to fight for my country. What we must remember is that the individual is brought in and trained, He doesn't run into battle with a intensively, by experts for 4 - 6 months. Coaded gun or make decisions. He is totally supervised and watched over. A vast difference from the guy who grabs a bar stool and drinks until he faces 66. I urge you and those who serve with you to save the lives of our youth. I realize the numbers are a small minority, but enough for us to curb this permissive law. Very truly yours f Frank X. Graves, Ir. |