Just as thousands of Americans are poised to hit the highways this weekend, California Attorney General Edmund Brown has announced an agreement with MillerCoors to stop "the growing and widespread use" of caffeine-spiked alcoholic beverages. Marketed specifically to young adults, the attorney general and law enforcement officials have become increasingly concerned about the effects of mixing high amounts of caffeine with alcohol, particularly in beverages flavored to promote high consumption.
Under pressure from 13 states and the City of San Francisco, MillerCoors has voluntarily agreed to reformulate its caffeine-laced Sparks brand alcoholic energy drink. In announcing the agreement, Brown said, "With this agreement, we're shutting down 90% of the market in caffeine-spiked alcoholic beverages. The growing and widespread use of caffeine mixed with alcohol can distort judgment, weaken inhibitions and encourage risky behavior, especially in young people."
Alcoholic energy drinks mix alcohol with caffeine, guarana, taurine or ginseng. Ranging from 6% to 12% alcohol by volume, they typically contain more alcohol than most beers but the stimulating effect of the caffeine in these beverages masks feeling of intoxication. While the drinker may feel alert, reaction times, concentration and motor skills are reduced. The combination makes consumers of these beverages more likely to feel competent about their driving abilities when they have been drinking. A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers found that students who consumed alcoholic energy drinks were twice as likely to be involved in an alcohol-related traffic accident and be charged with DUI or DWI.
An arrest for DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) can have serious consequences, warns expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. Approximately 1.5 million U.S. drivers are charged with DUI or DWI every year. Drunk driving cases are complicated and the procedures confusing. In California, a charge of drunk driving actually involves two cases, the criminal proceeding and a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing. Conviction can result in hefty fines and penalties, loss of driving privileges and even jail time. With so much at stake, it's important to hire a criminal defense lawyer experienced in handling DUI/DWI cases to represent you.
-LegalPr
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