AMERICAN NOTES: The Greatest Danger

What is the greatest threat to the survival of young Americans? The war in Viet Nam? Drugs? VD? Malnutrition? The correct answer, says Psychologist Leon Goldstein of the National Transportation Safety Board, is riding in an automobile. A Safety Board study reveals that youths are especially likely to have fatal car accidents between the ages of 16 and 19 and while driving at night, when driving conditions are most hazardous. Goldstein said he also was "astonished" to discover that "measurable alcohol" had been a contributing factor in up to 60% of auto deaths involving youths between 16 and 24. That means at least one-tenth of 1% alcoholic content in the driver's blood-the equivalent for a 160-Ib. male of five shots of 100-proof whisky guzzled on an empty stomach within an hour.