A Look Back at the 1978 Decision
In 1978, Michigan made history as the first state to raise its legal drinking age back to 21. The state had lowered it to 18 just six years prior. This decision, fueled by growing concerns over drunk driving among teenagers. This law marked a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to improve road safety and address public health concerns.
The Drinking Age Debate
The movement to lower the drinking age to 18 in the early 1970s was tied to the Vietnam War. Proponents argued that if young Americans could be drafted at 18, they should also enjoy full adult rights, including the right to drink. This logic prevailed nationally, and Michigan lowered its drinking age to 18 in 1972.
However, the change came with unintended consequences. Studies and anecdotal evidence pointed to an increase in drunk driving accidents among young drivers, especially high school students. By the late 1970s, Michigan lawmakers and voters began to reconsider the impact of this policy.
Proposal D and the 1978 Change
The push to raise the drinking age culminated in Proposal D. This was a constitutional amendment that appeared on Michigan’s November 1978 ballot. The measure passed with 57% of the vote, highlighting the public’s growing concern over the risks of teenage drinking and driving.
On December 22, 1978, the drinking age officially returned to 21. This made Michigan the first state to reverse its decision. This law set a precedent for the national movement that would later result in the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984.
Arguments For and Against Raising the Drinking Age
Supporters’ Viewpoint
Advocates for Proposal D pointed to alarming statistics: young drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 were involved in more alcohol-related accidents than any other age group. Organizations like the Michigan State Medical Society argued that raising the drinking age would reduce these incidents.
Dr. Louis Zako, a member of the society’s board, stated, “We’ve seen too many instances of young lives cut short or left to suffer the permanent crippling effects which too often occur when young drinkers get behind the wheel of an automobile.”
Opponents’ Perspective
Critics, however, called the amendment hypocritical. Many argued that 18-year-olds were considered adults in all other respects—able to vote, marry, and serve in the military—yet denied the right to purchase alcohol.
Rev. Horace Sheffield III, who was an 18-year-old high school student when the drinking age was lowered in 1972, recalled, “It was very much about whether we had the full array of rights.”
A Legacy of Safety
The decision to raise Michigan’s drinking age to 21 was not without controversy, but its impact was significant. The state’s action helped pave the way for broader national reforms aimed at reducing drunk driving and promoting public safety.
Today, Michigan’s 1978 decision serves as a reminder of how public policy can adapt in response to societal challenges, balancing individual freedoms with community welfare.
