WHEREAS, Youthful age has been cited as one of the most important variables related to motor vehicle crash risk and consumption and the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors is widely recognized as a serious problem by both the criminal justice community and the public at large; and

WHEREAS, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in the United States, drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 account for just 7 percent of all drivers in this nation, yet are involved in 15 percent of all alcohol-related fatalities; and

WHEREAS, Many states have enacted “Zero Tolerance” laws intended to combat the problem of underage drinking and driving, by allowing police to detain minors suspected of driving after having consumed alcohol, for the purpose of determining their blood alcohol concentration; and

WHEREAS, Police agencies across the country have employed standard patrols, specialized enforcement details, public information and education campaigns, and other enforcement initiatives to effectively educate both the general public and the target age group as to the dangers of underage drinking and driving; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 104th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, encourages all members to adopt or expand existing enforcement and education programs which combat the deadly problem of underage drinking and driving; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That all states be encouraged to provide financial support to their respective state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, for the express purpose of expanding the activities and programs those police agencies undertake to combat underage drinking and driving, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That each state and province which has not adopted a Zero Tolerance statute be encouraged to do so, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the governor and legislative body of each state and province which has not yet adopted such a statute.