Experts warn that underage drinkers run greatly increased risks of involvement in car accidents, fights and messy scenes while pointing out that offering even small amounts of alcohol to children could lead to negative outcomes.

For nearly fifty per cent of Delhi's youngsters, the glass is already half empty by the time they are on the cusp of teenhood, suggests a new survey.

Over 49.6 per cent male and 42.3 per cent female respondents in the 15 -24 age group told the NGO Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD) that they had their first drink as tweens, or preadolescents.



UNDERAGE DRINKERS INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENTS



Experts warn that underage drinkers run greatly increased risks of involvement in car accidents, fights and messy scenes while pointing out that offering even small amounts of alcohol to children could lead to negative outcomes.

The findings reveal the minimum age for liquor consumption has shown a drastic shift, from 18 years to 13 years, since a similar survey was conducted a decade ago.

According to a government official, the city's AAP administration though is in no mood to lower the legal drinking age in the Capital from 25 years to 21 years as demanded by some petitioners.



HOW WAS THE SURVEY CONDUCTED



The survey was carried out among 5,000 people outside bar and pub clusters in Delhi's upmarket areas, such as Hauz Khas Village , Khan Market, Rajouri Garden, Defence Colony, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash- I and Saket.

The report comes at a time when experts and traffic personnel say instances of minors and those underage consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel have seen a surge, often leading to crashes and nuisance. A 21-year-old on his way back from a party was on Monday involved in multiple hit-and-run cases near Janakpuri, in which two people died and one was critically injured.

WHAT DID THE CADD STUDY REVEAL

The CADD study showed that youngsters don't hesitate to spend money on drinking with the average weekly expenditure between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 for 45per cent of all the people surveyed.

It also revealed shocking facts like all the respondents had driven drunk at least once, though mostly for short distances. Over 20per cent of the women surveyed admitted that they drink and drive regularly while 57.6 per cent of the male respondents in the age group of 25 -34 frequently drive drunk.

"The recent drink-driving accident in Janakpuri is just one on the many which are waiting to happen on Delhi roads," said Prince Singhal, founder of CADD. "We are sitting on a time bomb and it's time that the police and government get their act together; otherwise there would be no end to this brutality on the roads."

The study said that over 75per cent men across all age groups believe alcohol does not hamper their driving while more than 85per cent feel they will not get caught driving drunk. They did say that drunken driving was a problem, but only when others were doing it. They also admitted that the existing checks and punishments do not deter them.

"Over the years, it has been noticed that the lack of impulse control has increased among adolescents," said Dr Sameer Malhotra, head of mental health and behavioural sciences at Saket's Max Hospital. "They get into the act without analysing the repercussions. They forget the consequences that their action can have on them and others. Increase in alcoholism and peer approval are two major factors that make them resort to drinking and driving."

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DARE



Psychologist Vandana Parikh said youngsters keep inciting each other to take up daring tasks where they usually end up driving on the road after heavy drinking just to show off.

"These days it has become 'cool' to break laws and children are losing that regard for rules," she said. "Right from the beginning, children should be taught to follow the right way. Parental engagement plays an important role. Parents should ensure that their children confide in them. Identification of a real role model is necessary."

Also Read

Underage drinking rampant in Delhi: Survey

Teen drinking rampant in Delhi pubs despite crackdown

