Alcohol is the No. 1 drug problem facing our nation's youth-killing 6.5 times more young people than all other illicit drugs combined. In the next five to 10 years, the U.S. will see a large influx of new drivers as children of Baby Boom parents reach driving age. Without efforts to prevent underage drinking, there could be an increase in the number of drunk driving deaths and injuries among these inexperienced drivers.

Additionally, research shows that the longer children's use of alcohol can be delayed, the less likely they are to become lifetime problem drinkers (and drunk drivers).

MADD also helped pass the federal 21 minimum drinking age and zero tolerance laws across the country. Formally embracing the prevention of underage drinking only strengthens MADD's commitment to youth. We will continue to partner with safety experts, educators, law enforcement, policymakers, parents and youth themselves to tackle underage drinking. Our nation's youth are tomorrow's leaders and we are investing in their future and ours.