FEWER YOUNGSTERS DRIVE DRUNK

CHICAGO (Reuters) Fewer younger U.S. drivers are taking to the road when
drunk, a survey commissioned by insurance companies said Monday.

Interviews with nearly 2,000 people found that 18 percent of those between
18 and 24 years old reported drinking and driving this year, down from 19
percent in 1995, 29 percent in 1990 and 48 percent in 1985.

Overall, the survey commissioned by the Insurance Research Council found
that 21 percent of drivers in all age groups said they had driven after
drinking in the past year, the same as in 1995, but down from 26 percent in
1990 and 37 percent in 1985.

Automotive wrecks killed 43,300 people in 1996, and 41 percent of those
accidents were at least partly blamed on drunk driving.

Stricter laws and advertising campaigns against the practice was credited
by the trade group with the reduction.