Here in australia the idea of upping the legal drinking age to 21 was suggested, and immediately shot down by all the parents of 18 year old military personnel for exactly the same reason as previously outlined.

Insofar as drink driving goes, I agree that the penalties should be stricter, however, I do believe that they should be scaled depending on BAC and circumstance.

For example, a friend of mine was called away not long ago due to an EXTREMELY urgent family emergency. He had been drinking, and due to the location and time, had no choice but to drive. He was pulled over and blew over the legal limit. He challenged the charge in court and his penalty was reduced due to mitigating circumstances.

Can you imagine his situation if the laws did not allow for leniency under exceptional circumstances?