Springtime sees increased alcohol-related traffic crashes on Texas roads

March 5, 2013

March 1st through May 31 - marks the most dangerous season on Texas roadways for alcohol-related traffic crashes. That's why the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to line up a P.A.S.S. - a Person Appointed to Stay Sober - because even "buzzed" driving is drunk driving.

In 2011, spring accounted for 26 percent of all alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas, according to TxDOT, more than any other season. At the same time, weekends continue to claim too many lives - more than half (58 percent) of all alcohol-related crashes occurred on a weekend in 2011. With spring break and holiday weekends approaching, TxDOT wants motorists to know that consuming just a few drinks can still impair a person's ability to drive, and it has launched a public safety campaign to let them know of the effect alcohol has on driving.

State law makes it illegal for someone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher to drive a vehicle. However, drivers can be arrested with a BAC below .08 when a law enforcement officer has probable cause, based on the driver's behavior.

"People often don't recognize the impact that one or two drinks can have on their ability to operate a vehicle," said John Barton, TxDOT's deputy executive director. "Alcohol slows your reaction time, reduces your ability to properly gauge speed or distance from other objects and makes it difficult for you to focus on the road. It takes less alcohol than you think so don't take a chance. Always plan ahead for a sober ride home."

People tend to underestimate their BAC when drinking alcohol, according to a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. As a result, they may think they are still OK to drive because they have only consumed a couple of drinks, when in fact, they may be impaired.

Source: Examiner

Children in UK are more exposed to alcohol promotion that adults

March 4, 2013

Experts are calling for a complete ban on alcohol-related advertising and sponsorship in the United Kingdom after a study revealed that British children are more exposed to promotional campaigns than their parents. In an editorial published on bmj.com to coincide with the first independent alcohol strategy for the UK, Professor Gerard Hastings from the University of Stirling and Dr Nick Sheron from the University of Southampton argued that the country's 'flawed' alcohol regulatory system must be reformed to provide stronger protection for children.

An analysis conducted by the RAND Corporation at the behest of the European Commission revealed that 10- to 15-year-olds in the UK see 10 percent more alcohol advertising on television than their parents. Perhaps even more worryingly, British youngsters are exposed to 50 per cent more alcopop-specific advertising than adults. Whilst the researchers were unable to draw any sensible conclusions about exposure from digital outlets, they did point out that young people are the heaviest users of such media, and alcoholic brands are working vigorously to exploit associated marketing opportunities.

In an interview with ScienceOmega.com, Professor Hastings, Director of Stirling's Institute for Social Marketing, explained why in his opinion, regulatory reform in this area is long overdue. I began by asking about the most significant dangers posed by alcohol advertising to youngsters.

"What tends to happen is that the more that children are aware of, familiar with and engaged with alcohol advertising, the sooner they start to drink and the more they drink once they do start," Professor Hastings explained.

With this in mind, I asked why young people are being exposed to more alcohol advertising than their parents. Is it because they watch more television than adults or is it because of where and when these commercials are broadcast?

"There are a number of factors at play here," Professor Hastings replied. "Analysis revealed a significant wrinkle in the data collected during the course of the study, and I think that this is a telling finding. Overall, 10- to 15-year-olds are seeing 10 percent more alcohol advertising than their parents. However, when you hone in on alcopop-specific advertising, this figure jumps to 50 percent more."
 To read more, click this link: http://www.scienceomega.com/article/853/children-in-uk-are-more-exposed-to-alcohol-promotion-than-adults#ixzz2MacQ6jjc  

Source: Science Omega

Pennsylvania: House bill would shut Pa. liquor stores, open sales to groceries and pharmacies 

March 6, 2013  

For the first time since Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled his plan to disband state-run alcohol sales, privatization is headed for a vote. But with the chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee developing an extensive amendment, the forthcoming bill may not mirror the governor's proposal.

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, who has led privatization efforts in the Legislature, on Tuesday introduced legislation to implement the governor's plan, which would shutter state wine and liquor stores while opening sales to sites such as groceries and pharmacies. Mr. Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, said he expects a House panel to clear the legislation March 18, with a vote by the full House two days later.

But the head of the House liquor committee, Rep. John Taylor, R-Philadelphia, objects to several aspects of the Republican governor's plan and is developing a set of changes he plans to bring to a vote. Mr. Taylor said he believes his amendment, when finalized, would allow privatization to pass his panel and the House, although he said it is possible that Mr. Corbett's plan also could win committee approval if called to a vote.

"Maybe it can, but I think [there are] some parts of the proposal I'm not personally for," Mr. Taylor said, explaining that he believes the governor's plan would unfairly disadvantage beer distributors and make beer too readily available. "I'm from Philadelphia. I'm really not looking to have beer in every corner store."

Mr. Corbett would replace about 600 state wine and liquor stores with 1,200 licenses distributed through auction. He would allow distributors, currently restricted to selling beer by the case, to sell six-packs and to bid for a wine and spirits license. Mr. Taylor said he wants to give beer distributors the first chance at licenses.

The governor's plan would allow grocery stores and pharmacies to sell six-packs and wine to go, and convenience stores to sell single six-packs. Mr. Taylor said he feared that the proposal would make beer too prevalent, but he said his amendment would provide sales opportunities to convenience stores, bars and taverns and groceries with licenses.

Source: Post-Gazette