Archive for July, 2010

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Top 8 Alcohol Controversies

Posted on Jul 29, 2010

Many controversies surround alcohol and it consumption. Alcohol controversies are many and ramifications of the nation at large are critical. Here are the top 8 alcohol controversies facing the nation.

8. Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence or drunk driving is both controversial and dangerous because those driving with increased blood alcohol levels are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents, highway injuries and vehicular fatalities. Controversial methods reducing drunk driving include creating drunk driving courts, taking away driving privileges, impounding and confiscating offenders cars, banning open containers, tough penalties and fines, incarceration, and alcohol abuse education.

7. Binge Drinking

When people think about binge drinking, they think about self-destructive and excessive drinking that lasts for a weekend and after that a person is so drunk that they cannot work or, take care of responsibilities, waste money, and other dangerous activities. This controversial habit has been in the news frequently and in the media as the society seeks ways of curbing this type of alcohol abuse.

6. Underage Drinking

Alcohol abuse is a controversial issue in America’s underage population and ways to fix the problem are always being discussed. Controversial prevention programs and identifying good ways to reduce alcohol abuse in young people, with focuses on secondary schools, colleges, and universities always stir up heated discussions.

5. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a controversial alcohol and health problem which harms the abuser and their offspring; however it can be completely prevented. Alcohol abuse in pregnant women causes babies to be affected with fetal alcohol syndrome and it is a form of child abuse that affects a person throughout his or her it lasts lifetime. Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome have learning problems, growth development issues and deformities.

4. Alcohol Advertisements

Many Americans believe that alcohol advertisements cause citizens to abuse alcohol studies have proven this. When and where alcohol advertisements can be seen continues to be a controversial issue in the United States.

3. Alcohol Dependency

Alcohol Dependence is a problem that known for its harmful consequences. It is when repeated alcohol abuse causes a physiological dependence on alcohol that this problem could considered the root of many of the controversial issues mention above and is a major concern when the issues of alcohol and health are discussed.

2. Work place Drinking

Alcohol abuse in the workplace has become one of the most controversial alcohol issues businesses and industries currently. Even though the exact yearly cost in productivity because of alcohol abuse has not been determine, the estimates are enough to cause alarm. The figure that is often thrown out is in the billions of dollars for productivity and the alcohol and health cost could be in the same ballpark. Impaired employees are a matter of grave concern not only for employers but co workers in genera l too.

1. Lowering the Permitted Drinking Age

The lowering minimum drinking age is the biggest alcohol controversy currently. Recently proposals have been being made to lower the minimum legal drinking age that allows a person to drink. Many academics, intellectuals and pundits have proposed this as a solution to many ills involved with alcohol and the debate rages in the press and media.

Alcohol Abuse, Drunk Driving, DrunkorexiaNo Comments »Alcohol Abuse Alcohol Controversies Drunk Driving Legal Drinking Age

What to Expect in California Court Processing in the Event of DUI Arrest

Posted on Jul 27, 2010

Being arrested for DUI is a frightening experience. However, knowing what to expect eases the fear in the unfortunate event of an arrest. So, what happens?

• First there is the actual arrest. All a police needs in the state of California is “probable cause” that a driver may be driving under the influence.
• Secondly, a driver may be held in custody and would need to post bond in order to be released. A judge determines if DWI offender may post bond and how much. This bond, or otherwise known as “bail,” is much like a guarantee that the driver will show up in court.
• If a driver is held, he must be arraigned within 2 to 3 days. If a driver is not held (in custody), then the arraignment can be set at a later time.
• Next is the arraignment, in which the judge explains the pending charges against the driver. The driver is given the right to an attorney, the right of trial by jury, and the right to get evidence used in the proceedings. At this time, the driver can enter a plea of “Not guilty” or “Guilty.”
• After that are pretrial motions. These are usually heard at the arraignment. Usual motions are to suppress evidence, discovery motions, and motions to dismiss.
• Not necessarily a step, but definitely an option is the plea bargain. This is where the driver is given a choice to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
• The last stage of the court process is the trial. When a date is set, it is stated as a “0 to 10 date,” which means the driver’s right to a speedy trial is not violated if the trial begins within 10 days of the trial date. So, if a trial is not held within that time period, the case must be dismissed. Say for instance, if the trial date lands on the weekend or a holiday, the next court day is used instead.
• An important part of the trial is jury selection. This allows the defendant to access prospective jurors and determine if they are qualified to serve for this trial. It is normal for prospective jurors to be excused for a “just cause.” Once the jury is selected, the trial commences.
• Once the trial begins, both the prosecution and defense give their opening statements. They examine witnesses, and, lastly, the judge instructs the jury on how to apply the laws to the given case.
• Lastly is jury deliberation. This is when the jury decides the outcome of the case, but it is the judge who decides the punishment based on a Guilty or Not guilty verdict.

DWI Laws, DWI cases1 Comment »DWI Arrest DWI cases

Teen Drunk Driving Statistics in the US

Posted on Jul 22, 2010

Given their age and youthful nature, teenagers will express great enthusiasm when receiving their newfound freedom of getting their driver’s license and being able to drive on their own. However this newfound freedom, along with inexperience, in addition to the startling statistics of teenagers drinking and driving is a scary combination. Teens who have been drinking, usually lack good judgment, and the feeling of responsibilities and consequences of drinking and driving.

Teenage Driving In the US

In a recent survey conducted by the CDC, teenagers account for nearly fifty percent of binge drinking (drinking more than five drinks during one sitting). According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 6.4 percent out of 194.3 million drivers licensed in the United States fell in between the ages 16 to 20. Though these teen drivers represent a small percentage of the total American drivers, teenage drivers is said to cause a disproportionately high percent of roadway accidents.

Teenage Drinking and Driving – Some alarming statistics

• The leading cause of death for those ages 15-20 is a car accident.
• According to the CDC 4,767 teenagers died from fatal car crash injuries in 2004.
• According to the National Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 31% of all 15 to 20 year olds had been drinking when killed in a car accident, and 25% of them were alcohol impaired.
• Teenage drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision than their older more experienced driving counterparts, notes the CDC.
• Teen drivers are responsible for twelve percent of all road-related fatalities.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports twenty-three percent of teenage drivers in fatal car crashes possessed a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level above the legal limit of .08 on the breathalyzer test.
• According to a 2002 CDC report that, the econosmic cost of automobile accidents involving teenagers is a staggering forty billion dollars or more annually.

Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties for Teens:

The fact is, driving is a privilege. Though there are DUI laws in place, they are still being ignored. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and when you get caught your life will be turned up-side-down. Here are a few things that could happen:

• Increase in auto insurance rates or even denial of insurance coverage.
• Seizure of motor vehicle
• The loss or suspension of driver’s license
• Limited job opportunities
• Jail time
• Hefty fines
• Community service
• Probation, DUI programs

Alcohol abuse in teens is a serious problem in the US. Underage drinking and being illegally intoxicated can be life altering for not only themselves, but all innocent bystanders on the road as well. These statistics are real; don’t try so hard to be just another statistic!

Teenage Drunk DriversNo Comments »DWI Statistics Teenage Drivers Teenage Drunk Driving