We can create environments which reduce the risks associated with alcoholconsumption through State and local laws. Private businesses can implement policies to do the same thing. Thus, laws which curtail the sale of alcohol to minors reduce the risk of teenage traffic crashes, Banning sales of alcohol during the last segment of a professional sporting event reduces the likelihood that spectators will drive away from the stadium under the influence of alcohol, thus reducing the risk of drunk driving traffic accidents. By banning alcohol consumption on worksites during the lunch hour, a construction company can reduce the injury rate and increase productivity. These are all examples of policies designed to prevent alcohol problems, and they cost little or nothing to implement.
Public policy oriented prevention has two advantages over educationally oriented prevention.
For one thing, it costs a lot less. For another, it works better. A recent study by the RAND Corporation determined that school-based educational programs have almost no effect in reducing alcohol problems among teenagers. On the other hand, simply changing the law to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 in several states has significantly reduced deaths associated with drinking and driving among teenagers. Conducting school based educational programs is fun to do and makes people feel good, However, changing public policies is a cheaper and more effective way to reduce alcohol problems.