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Your Child Living Environment and Drunk Driving

Posted on Jul 07, 2010

Do certain neighborhoods encourage kids to drink alcohol? Well, studies have shown time and time again that the environment a child grows up in has a direct affect on his or her behavior.

Does a Child’s Environment Encourage Them to Drink and Drive?

The sale of liquor, especially in poor minority neighborhoods are a contributing factor to the many problems that impoverished communities are faced with today. Kids in particular are being negatively affected by their environment and this is a serious problem in predominantly poor communities.

Environmental Factors may not be the Only Influence

There is very little doubt that alcohol abuse is related to the neighborhoods and the alcoholic environment a child grows up in. However, Clinical & Experimental Research in an issue of Alcoholism uses rhesus monkeys to examine both genetic and environmental influences on alcohol consumption. Alarming results show that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to variation in alcohol consumption among both human and non-human alike.

Living environment can often lead to drinking in kids

Neighborhood Influences on Alcohol Use

Alcohol is more widely available in poor, black neighborhoods than middle class or upper-middle class neighborhoods. The ‘casual’ use of alcohol is everywhere. Kids growing up in these types of environment are more influenced by what they see at home and on the streets, which makes it that much easier for kids to grow up following in the footsteps of what they see around them. Alcohol abuse and drunk driving among young people is part of the norm in these communities. Acceptance of dangerous drinking habits, alcohol consumption and drunk driving is encouraged through various media outlets, peer attitudes, role models, and the casual attitude of society in general.

Liquor Stores Preying on Poor Minority Neighborhoods

You can often recognize a poor minority neighborhood by the large number of liquor stores on every corner. A recent study even shows that poor neighborhoods with high concentrations of African-Americans have a much larger than average number of liquor stores and storefront ads promoting the use of alcohol, especially malt liquor. There is even large billboard Ads promoting the use of alcohol trough out impoverished communities.

Easy Access to Alcohol Contributes to Alcohol Abuse in Young People

The more liquor stores around and other alcohol outlets in a certain area, the more likely individuals will want to drink. Also the increase of alcohol consumption is due to the low price of certain alcohol that is preferred by the community, the more people will consume alcoholic beverages. Studies have shown that young people are more likely to drink when alcohol is readily available to them through being able to buy alcohol on their own, having others buy it for them, low price or having the opportunity to drink freely at parties or other social events where the use of alcohol is prevalent.

So, do you think certain neighborhoods and the environment a child grows up in encourages them to drink alcohol and drive? Let us know in the comments below.

Drunk Driving Laws in Houston

Posted on Jul 01, 2010

Houston has severe drunk driving laws depending on the intensity of the offense. If you are a minor (below the age of 21), the laws are much stricter. There are law enforcement officers who take care of the cases and deal with necessary actions if someone is found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or any drug or driving. The drunk driving laws differ with the state but there are certain concepts and policies common to all states’ drunk driving laws.

DWI Laws and Penalties in Houston

The laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while intoxicated in Houston are serious because alcohol impairs a person’s judgment and ability to drive safely. There are several punishments associated with the intensity of crime. Below are some of the penalties issued in Houston:

Suspension or loss of license
Good amount of fine
Imprisonment for a long period of time
Substance abuse treatment
Social community service
Issue of criminal record
Restitution
Cinderella licenses
Implement of ignition interlock system

First Offense in Houston

A first offense DUI or DWI in Houston is a Class B misdemeanor. If an open container is found in the vehicle, 72 hours to 6 days jail sentence is possible with a fine of up to $2,000 plus a surcharge ($1,000). The fine doubles to $2,000 if the blood alcohol content is found to be double the legal limit, that is, 0.16%. However, an occupational license may be granted depending on your job.

The state also implements zero tolerance law for offenders under the age of 21. If any detectable amount of alcohol is found in the blood of a minor driver, they are subject to criminal offense laws and fines and imprisonment are possible.

Second Offense in Houston

In Houston, the second DUI or DWI offense is considered as a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties include jail time for 3 days to 1 year depending on the intensity of the offense. Also a fine of $4,000 is imposed with a surcharge of $1,500 per year for 3 years. The surcharge increases to $2,000 a year if the person is found to be drunk with a blood alcohol content of 0.16%, double the legal limit issued by the state.

The suspension period of license for the offender ranges between 180 days and 2 years. Based on the need of the offender, occupational license may be issued. Also a DWI abuse treatment has to be performed by the candidate for a period of minimum 80 hours.

Commercial Vehicle DUI Limit in Houston

In Houston, a person driving a commercial vehicle must not have a blood alcohol content of more than or equal to 0.04%. Any offender caught in this situation may have to face a suspension of the commercial driver’s license for one to three years. If there happens to be a minor in the vehicle, the driver faces more severe punishments.

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