Dry Counties: Do They Reduce DWI Accidents?

Posted on Feb 14, 2013

Although somewhat rare, there are still many dry counties in the United States, and some states have more dry counties than wet counties. A dry county is one in which bars, restaurants and stores are not allowed to sell alcohol, even if the state regulates alcohol in other counties. The purpose of a dry county is to cut down on alcohol-related accidents, but some startling statistics may prove that this model actually increases the likelihood of an alcohol-related accident or DUI.

The Numbers

In 2006, data compiled by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis showed that dry counties saw 6.8 fatalities per 10,000 people from alcohol-related accidents, but wet counties, or counties that allow alcohol sales, only saw 1.9 fatalities from alcohol-related accidents per 10,000 people. While this seems to clearly show that dry counties have more deaths due to alcohol, one needs to also consider population density.
For instance, in Texas, between 2001 and 2005, there were 46 dry counties and 38 wet counties. The dry counties, while larger in numbers, were home to just under 900,000 people, while wet counties were home to over nine million people. During this period, dry counties saw 574 alcohol-related accident deaths, but wet counties saw 1,840. Although the wet counties had more deaths, they also had a much larger population.

Why Does This Happen?

One explanation for the amount of alcohol-related accidents in dry counties is that people need to drive further and for longer to obtain alcohol. If you live in a dry county, you may find yourself having to drive to the next county over or further in order to drink, and this means more time spent on the road while intoxicated. In many cases, dry counties are often in rural areas, and this can also add to the need to drive further to reach a county that sells alcohol.

More DUIs?

In addition, some experts believe that police are not looking for drunk drivers in dry counties because those counties are supposed to be dry. This can then lead to intoxicated drivers flying under the radar until an accident occurs. As a result, even in dry counties where alcohol-related accidents are high, DUI numbers may not correlate. It’s important to keep in mind that statistics can only be kept on people who get caught, not on people who don’t. An Orlando criminal defense attorney might tell you that, in many instances, wet counties will have higher rates of DUI arrest even if they have lower rates of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.

The Best Thing to Do

No matter what type of county you live in, it’s always best to avoid drinking and driving. If you live in a dry county and you want to drink, go to a wet county and purchase alcohol that you can safely bring home and enjoy. If you live in a wet county and you go out to a bar, always have a designated driver with you to get home safely.

Legal Researcher Shelby Warden contributes this information to encourage discussions of dry counties and their effect on DUI accidents. If you find yourself in need of an Orlando criminal defense attorney for driving under the influence, experienced DUI attorneys at Katz and Phillips will provide you with the most aggressive legal representation in Florida.

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How Drinking in Your Teenage Years Can Affect Your Future Career

Posted on Jan 22, 2013

Although drinking can lead to dangerous short-term consequences for teenagers, it also comes with insidious long-term effects. Potential consequences such as diminished mental faculties, poorer health, and potential legal sanctions can all make it harder for teenagers to get the education needed to step onto their chosen career paths.

• Impact on Academics
  

  Anyone who has ever drunk to excess should have few problems believing that alcohol effects the brain. Over time, people who drink lots and drink often tend to experience serious problems with their attention spans, memory, and spatial functions. According to the studies, teenagers are more susceptible than adults because their brains are still developing. Given that all three of these factors are essential to academic performance, teenagers who drink to excess are making it harder for themselves to make it into college. Since most career paths need a college education, such teenagers are closing the door on their own future.

• Impact on Health
  

  Excessive drinking can also cause health problems over time. Alcohol has long been considered a carcinogen, causing cancers in the oesophagus, colon and liver. Furthermore, it can cause serious problems in the liver, the pancreas, and even the skin. In a shorter period of time, alcohol can also cause mental health problems in teenagers. Examples include insomnia, depressive mood disorder, mood swings, and even dependence on other drugs. All of these problems eat away at a person’s ability to hold down a job and advance in his or her chosen profession. Personal finances and social relationships are also often affected by the same problems.

• Impact on Legal Status
  

  Employers prefer hiring people who are capable, industrious and responsible. This does not mean that employers pass on all candidates who have made mistakes in their past, but it does mean that there will be more obstacles put in their paths. Drunken teenagers who end up driving vehicles have higher chances of getting into accidents than other demographics. Having a DUI can serve as a serious impediment to finding a good job after graduation, never mind having more serious driving offenses on the record.

• Impact on Social Capabilities

  Moderate consumption of alcohol can have some minor benefit because it calms the nerves. Furthermore, hanging around with other people helps to build up social skills over time. As a result, there is evidence to show that social drinkers earn a bit more than their non-drinking counterparts. However, this is irrelevant to teenagers because it is not applicable to their situation and comes from better social skills rather than alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Although consuming alcohol is fine so long as it is done in moderation, teenagers should not start until they mature because the harmful consequences hit them so much harder. Excessive drinking can lead to poor academic performance, poor mental health, and even legal sanctions. All three of these factors cause a narrowing of career prospects, which is something that will affect teenagers throughout their lives.

Bio:
Alan Li is a freelance writer for how2become living in Canada. He volunteers from time to time at local non-profit organizations that help people suffering from drug-related problems get the help needed.

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Finding The Right Solution To Stop Drinking

Posted on Nov 27, 2012

Throughout the world drugs and alcohol are plaguing our school systems, workplaces and social structures. At times it seems like everywhere you turn there is the opportunity to dabble in some sort of addictive substance. With this said there is no surprise that in our nation alone there is a growing problem with substance abuse and addiction.

You, the Addict

While many easily hide their abuse problem or addiction , others wear it on their sleeve fitting the stereotypical idea of an addict. The addiction can quickly take control of your life, turning you from what was once known you and transforming you into the addict. Things that were once truly important become secondary to feeding your addiction and you have a new reason to live, hidden or not. Regardless to if you are open with your addiction or covering it up from your loved ones it is time to seek help and start working on sober living, once and for all leaving these addictive substances in the past.

Connecting to Treatment and Finding Success in Sobriety

QuitAlcohol works to quickly connect those with substance abuse problems or addictions to a treatment facility best suited to their recovery needs. Attempting to work through a substance abuse problem or addiction on your own often will lead to relapse, this is typically during the withdrawal period because the symptoms can so unbearable. There is no need to go at it alone, there are thousands of treatment facilities throughout the nation that will meet your individual needs and help you to find success in sobriety.

Focusing on the Main Goal, GETTING SOBER!

Bio:
If you or a loved one are ready admit you have a problem and seek help for it then let QuitAlcohol.com assist you in the search for the right treatment facility, leaving you the opportunity to focus fully on the main goal, to get sober!

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