College students in Missouri and other states may be more likely to get behind the wheel while high instead of while drunk. In fact, a new study shows that college freshmen are significantly more likely to both ride with a stoned driver and drive themselves while high. This contradicts statistics that show that more young adults are using alcohol than pot. About 31 percent of those who have smoked marijuana are risking a DWI conviction because they have gotten behind the wheel while stoned.

Authorities report that the cultural shift may be caused by a generally relaxed attitude toward marijuana. As pot possession and use becomes decriminalized among the over-21 set, younger adults are also jumping on the bandwagon. Although public health officials have seen a decline in drunk driving behaviors, they may now have to turn their attention to those who choose to consume marijuana.

Young people are already one of the highest-risk driving categories, even when they are not engaging in underage drinking and other violations. Stoned drivers may double the risk of getting in a car accident for these inexperienced drivers. A nationwide survey shows that marijuana use was implicated in more than one in 10 fatal crashes among those ages 16 to 20.

Both men and women are fairly likely to get in a vehicle with someone who has smoked marijuana before driving. Those who have driven high are also shown to be more likely to accept a ride from a stoned driver. Although we often focus on underage drinking as the nation’s roadway scourge, it is important to remember that intoxicated driving is not always confined to alcohol-related charges. In fact, drivers can also be charged with criminal offenses for getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs.

Source: Reuters, “College kids more likely to drive after toking than after drinking” Shereen Jegtvig, May. 13, 2014

Underage drinking is becoming an increasingly important issue throughout Missouri, especially in the wake of a new study that shows surprising results. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals that about two in five Missouri teens have consumed alcohol within the past 30 days. This behavior is dangerous because it could lead to an underage drunk driving charge, which can have serious consequences even for a first offense. The study showed that about 8 percent of the youngsters had driven after drinking, while a quarter had ridden with a driver who had consumed alcohol.

The new information has prompted residents in Joplin, Missouri, to take action against underage drinking. Law enforcement officers from the surrounding areas are meeting with the public to brainstorm ideas for reducing the prevalence of underage drinking in the region. Involving families and other local residents is critical, according to officers, because many parents will actually provide alcohol for children who are partying at their homes.

Additional studies reveal that underage drinkers actually consume more alcohol than adults who are 21 or over. In fact, more than one in five teens engaged in binge drinking in the past month, according to the results of the most recent survey. Alcohol has been deemed the most common drug of abuse for young people, with about 4,300 deaths annually related to the substance.

Parents are encouraged to know where their children are going when they attend parties. Family members are often the first line of defense against underage drinking and other consequences including criminal charges. Law enforcement officers in the communities surrounding Joplin say they are committed to developing programs to prevent the rapid rise in underage drinking that is affecting the area.

Source: Fourstateshomepage.com, “Youth Risk Behavior Survey Shows Increase in Underage Drinking” Allie Woldtvedt, May. 02, 2014

As high school prom season beckons, growing concern about underage drunk driving is rising within Missouri communities. A new study has brought additional alarming statistics, showing that although today’s teenagers are more educated than ever about the dangers of drunk or distracted driving, they have a hard time saying “no” to those behaviors. Experts say that many of these teens may be close to receiving drunk driving charges because they do not practice what they have preach.

A new survey issued by Students Against Destructive Decisions and Liberty Mutual Insurance shows some alarming underage drinking trends. Even though teenagers are generally aware that they should not drink and drive, many still get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. In fact, 10 percent of those teens who said that they never drink and drive actually admitted to getting behind the wheel after having an intoxicating beverage.

Experts say that a disturbing trend is emerging, as teenagers often vote for the “most sober” person to drive them home. Teenagers often think that they are not truly under the influence of alcohol unless they are stumbling towards the vehicle or perhaps having difficulty maintaining consciousness. The result: “Designated driver” has taken on an entirely new meaning. Designated drivers are supposed to remain 100 percent sober; today’s teens consider “basically sober” to be good enough.

Underage drinking can carry a variety of consequences, including the need to mount a DWI defense. Defendants who are facing underage drinking and driving charges may benefit from the assistance of a Missouri defense attorney. These professionals may provide students and their parents with additional information about legal options. Defendants do not have to compromise their educational and professional future just because of a DWI charge.

Source: Forbes, “Drunk Driving: Teens Talk The Talk, Don’t Always Walk The Walk” Jim Henry, Mar. 21, 2014

Missouri residents who have been stopped for drunk driving may be familiar with the standard panel of field sobriety tests. An officer will likely require drivers to follow a pen with their eyes, walk in a straight line and stand on one leg for 30 seconds. Drivers who complete those tests without incident are likely not intoxicated. So far, though, tests do not exist to accurately predict whether a stoned driver should face a DWI charge. With a growing number of states loosening marijuana restrictions, the issue of drugged driving is reaching the forefront of many legal jurisdictions.

Research shows that just 30 percent of stoned people will fail a standard field sobriety test. In most instances, that test is only useful for drivers who are not used to being intoxicated on marijuana; about 50 percent of the less-frequent consumers were tripped up by the test. Scientists say they are still not sure how to interpret these numbers, as stoned drivers are decidedly different from those who have been drinking. Still, with an estimated 6 percent of American drivers stoned behind the wheel, legislation must examine potential consequences and penalties for those accused of drugged driving.

Few would argue that marijuana intoxication causes cognitive impairment that reduces driving safety. Still, that effect may be far lower than the danger posed by those who are drunk behind the wheel. Those with THC in the bloodstream are only twice as likely to get in a wreck, while younger drivers experience a 20-fold increase in fatal accident risk. Stoned drivers tend to drive slower and more conservatively.

Scientists have not yet discovered a reliable test that correlates THC levels in the body with cognitive impairment. Many say that it might not be necessary to focus on stoned drivers, though, considering the higher numbers of drunk drivers on Missouri roads. Drivers who are facing DWI offenses may be subject to more severe penalties if they are found driving while stoned and drunk at the same time, but it appears that researchers are pushing for leniency and caution when evaluating potential consequences for those who test positive for THC.

Source: The New York Times, “Driving Under the Influence, of Marijuana” Maggie Koerth-Baker, Feb. 17, 2014

A Missouri town has raised the entry age to local bars from 19 to 21. The change in Maryville came after a large debate in the town’s City Hall, during which students and residents opposed the change for a variety of reasons. The new ordinance, passed on Jan. 27, will officially raise the entry age to 21 after July 1; after that point, underage students will have to find other entertainment opportunities.

The council had previously issued a ruling about the ordinance in May 2013, but this decision reversed that mandate. Legislators said they are concerned about drunk driving charges and other underage drinking consequences. Further, they argue that a nationwide trend is identifying underage drinking as a significant health problem. Science provides some evidence that this is the case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that drinkers ages 11 to 20 consume more than 10 percent of the alcohol in the nation. Minors, including college students, accounted for about 189,000 emergency room visits related to alcohol.

The change to the entry age is just one part of a proposed comprehensive alcohol approach that would change a variety of drinking laws in the area. Proposals have been submitted for regulating drink specials and requiring server training in bars. Noise-restriction ordinances are also included in that package of legislation.

Students and business owners alike are incensed about the change. Business representatives in the area say that underage drinking is effectively policed within the bars themselves. It is not clear whether the new ordinance will have a significant impact on business growth in the area. Some argue that students will still drink, but they will do so in more dangerous locations. Those who face underage drinking charges in any context may be subject to consequences. A qualified DUI attorney in Missouri can help these individuals learn more about their legal rights.

Source: Northwest Missourian, “Council bans minors from Maryville bars” Brandon Zenner, Feb. 03, 2014

Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, over-indulgence in delicious food and last-minute grocery shopping. Would you believe that this innocuous holiday is also the most common time for underage drinking to occur? That’s right: The night before Thanksgiving is widely known as the biggest night for underage drinking. Many of those drinkers may be prone to driving even after illegally consuming booze. Young people who consume alcohol and get behind the wheel during the holidays could face big penalties, even if this is their first offense. Experts offer some tips for adults who want to prevent underage drinking during Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season.

First, parents should store their alcohol in a secure location and monitor youngsters in the house for signs of intoxication. Retailers are also on the lookout during the holidays for young drinkers who attempt to obtain alcohol with the use of fake IDs. Missouri workers pay extra attention to identification during the holiday season because of this drinking trend. Every person who attempts to purchase alcohol in Missouri may be denied if the ID is even thought to be invalid.

College students throughout Missouri face significant criminal penalties if they are caught drinking under age 21. They can be cited and face additional sanctions such as community service. Parents are not exempt from these penalties, either, as adults who purchase alcohol for their youngsters can be subject to fines related to those criminal offenses.

Even with all of these precautionary measures, some youngsters manage to get their hands on booze during the holiday season. Some of those will invariably get into trouble with the law because of their questionable decisions. Young people who get in trouble for drinking do not have to face the courtroom alone, however; qualified DUI attorneys and other criminal defense lawyers can help them navigate the criminal system, maximizing the outcome of their case while promoting a brighter professional and educational future.

Source: www.stjoechannel.com, “Thanksgiving Eve is biggest night for underage drinking” Christina Watkins, Nov. 27, 2013