How To Help Prevent Your Teen From Engaging In Risky DUI Behavior

It is quite common for teenagers to engage in risky behavior. Many just don’t have the sense or foresight to think about the repercussions of the actions.  All they can see is what is right in front of them and if it happens to be drugs and alcohol, many young adults will try them out of curiosity or peer pressure. To help your child get through this period in her life unscathed, there are a series of things a parent or caregiver can do.

The first and probably most important thing a parent can do is to talk openly with their teenager about drugs and alcohol.   In some cases, one of the reasons why teens engage in drinking is because they feel that their parents don’t care about them or are too busy with their own lives to pay attention to them.  Talking to your teen in a relaxed and honest way will open the floodgate of questions.  Share facts, talk about the health risks and potential dangers.  Explain to them that while alcohol might make them feel really good for a while, in the long run it is a depressant and can cause sadness, anger and depression as well.  Continue the conversation with ways to handle peer pressure.  Think of ways they can get out of a situation without being embarrassed.  One way is to tell friends that you can’t drink because your parents will test you with a Breathalyzer when you get home. 

Discuss reasons why they shouldn’t drink.  For example, it might temporarily make you feel more popular to fit in, but you might end up doing something you’ll regret. You might relax enough to let a member of the opposite sex get too close, or you might drink too much and get violently ill in front of everyone. 

Another way to help your teen avoid alcohol and drugs is to keep her involved in after school activities.  Adolescents that are involved in team or individual sports have little time to waste playing around with illegal substances and they need to stay strong and healthy to be effective.  Also, this will put another set of adult eyes on your child.  Coaches can be good role models for young adults; can be another person to turn to for advice and can watch for irregular behavior.  And, be aware of where your child is after school.  If they aren’t at practice, then where are they and why?

Establish rules and consequences for any inappropriate behavior.  Set solid boundaries and be consistent in enforcement.  Be sure to include in your discussions the potential risks of getting behind a wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.  The MADD website is full of statistics and stories about accidents and deaths that have occurred due to drunk driving. 

If your teenager has made the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel, and has been caught by authorities, she will most likely need to take a DUI class.  The best and easiest way to fulfill this mandate is to take a DUI class online at www.alcoholdrugclass.com.  Classes are offered on any Internet based electronic device.  A huge benefit to having your child take a class from home, aside from convenience, is that you can personally monitor what they are learning.  You can sit with them to take the class, review information and monitor their progress. 

It’s never too early to start the discussion about alcohol and drugs with your child.  This will open the discussion and give them comfort in knowing that you are there to support them through this sometimes difficult path.

Breathalyzers, Ignition Devices and Alcohol Awareness Classes

The fight against alcohol and drug abuse is one that judicial systems across the country engage in on a daily basis. The cause of road accidents has been largely attributed to Driving under Influence of drugs or alcohol.  In fact, according the FBI, over 1.41 million drivers were arrested in 2010 for DUI of drugs or alcohol.  Drug and alcohol abuse is also prevalent in sporting activities and learning institutions. The innovation of doping tests, breathalyzers, ignition interlock devices and ETG alcohol tests are some of the efforts adopted to curb this menace.

Persons arrested for alcohol or drug related offences such as DUI, under age drinking, or possession of drugs may be under a series of court obligations. Accused persons may be ordered by the court to undergo online alcohol and drug awareness classes. These classes focus on the dangers of drinking or abuse of drugs. Addicts are also instructed on the physical effects such as damage of liver, impairment of cognitive functions and so on. The participants of online alcohol and drug abuse classes also gain an understanding of how addicts behave and how to gauge whether one has a problem.

Classes can be taken online in segments of 8 hours to 24 hours, depending on what the court has mandated based on your offense.  After completion, individuals are offered a certificate of completion. This certificate is submitted to court as proof of compliance with court orders. Those who fail to undergo alcohol and drug classes as proposed by court, risk loosing their driving licenses, jail term and other measures that could be enforced by court.

Apart from taking a training course, the court may have offenders adopt ignition interlock devices. An interlock Ignition device is a handheld Breathalyzer mounted on a vehicle's dashboard and hooked to the car's ignition. The driver has to breathe in to the device in order to know the content of alcohol in his or her blood. If the driver is fit to drive, this device allows the engine of the car to start. Drivers have to periodically take breath tests while on the road. If his BAC is at a dangerous or illegal level, the horn will start honking and the headlights of the car will start flashing until the engine is turned off. This device is also used by transport firms to ensure employees are not under the influence when driving.

Hair Alcohol testing is another measure used to test for alcohol and drug abuse. This testing is common for students. A person's hair sample is required for an ETG test to be conducted. The ETG procedure is more effective than urine testing and other tests since it reveals the current condition as well as the history of drug or alcohol use of the person tested.

Alcohol and drug tests and devices are not limited to court orders. These measures have been used to make working areas and learning institutions safe and sober.  The court can mandate some, or all of these tools combined if you are caught for DUI.  The bottom line is that if you have been drinking or using drugs, don’t drive.  Hand over the keys to a sober friend and keep everyone safe.

Getting A DUI Can Affect Your Employment

DWI or DUI stands for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and as a first offense, it's a misdemeanor in the majority of states. In every state there is a blood alcohol limit of point zero eight percent and those who have been caught driving under the influence, suffer many risks. The severity of penalty depends on the BAC level registered in the breath test, and if others are injured or killed in the accident.  The DUI will either be considered a misdemeanor or a Felony and will haunt you in your life and on your background check for years to come. 

First of all, the individual might have their license suspended or revoked.  If someone is caught with a DWI in the majority of states he will have his driver’s license suspended for an extended period of time.  If this is the case, the individual will have to figure out daily rides to work, take the bus or possibly not be able to make it all.  

Furthermore, she might have to have an interlock device installed in the car.  An ignition interlock device is installed on the dashboard and before the car can be started, the driver has to exhale into the device.  If the BAC level is 0.02% or 0.04%, the device prevents the engine from being started.  And, let’s not forget the many fines that will have to be paid to the courts and attorneys involved.

One of the most serious repercussions is the risk of having trouble landing a job or possibly losing the one you currently have.  When an individual applies for a job the employer will usually perform a background check on him to see if he has had any convictions. Someone having a DUI on his record will greatly affect his chances of landing a job.

There are some cases when a DUI will automatically be reported to the employer. This means that if someone has a job which mandates driving, they can be immediately fired. This includes truck and bus drivers.  In the case of a salesperson, a DWI also impacts insurance rates.  The hiring company may decide that the increased costs are not worth it in comparison with the job the individual is doing.

Many employers require background checks. On every application form there is also a section about convictions and people can fill it or not. If filled, some employers will discard the application immediately. If it's not disclosed and they run a background check, they can catch you in your lie. It’s a Catch 22, but either way, it doesn’t look good.

In the majority of states attending alcohol education classes is also required to prove retribution.  It is recommended that individuals, who have received a DUI and need to take this class for a court mandate, do so online.  A good quality, online course can be easily accessed from any web-based computer so that the perpetrator of this crime does not need to miss work to drive to a theft class held in a classroom at a certain time of the day.  They can be taken privately in your own home, any time of the day or night so that no one else needs to know you are attending them. 

Why Take A DUI Class Online Instead Of A Classroom?

Have you been caught drunk driving and ordered to take DUI classes? Instead of the hassle of getting to a classroom across town during rush hour traffic, you might find great benefit in taking the classes online with your court’s approval.

Convenience

When you take DUI classes online, you can do it in the convenience of your home. This way you will not have to get a ride or spend money on driving to a bricks and mortar building. Or, have to leave work or school or rush through traffic or bad weather to get to classes at fixed times. Many online classes are very flexible in terms of time.

Avoid the Embarrassment

As they say, everyone makes mistakes. The sad fact is that when someone reputable makes a mistake, it is blown out of proportion; especially if you are a public figure such as a pastor or a motivational speaker. Therefore, in case you are a highly recognizable person and end up getting slapped with a DUI charge, you can avoid publicity and embarrassing glances in class by taking DUI classes online.

Quality

The fact that you are taking these classes online does not mean that there will be any compromise with quality. Just make sure that you choose the providers wisely so that you can get top-notch, quality education. Don’t just trust that they are experts, but research the director’s background to make sure he is a licensed and practicing therapist.  One of the most important things that you will need to do is to make sure that your provider is accredited and has a high BBB rating.  Most of these classes give you a certificate upon completion that can be admissible in court to show that you have taken a significant step in making amends.  Check with your court prior to enrolling in the class to make sure they will accept it.

They Are Reform Oriented

Driving under the influence is not a small matter. It is a very serious situation that can lead to serious accidents and sometimes loss of lives. Therefore, to curb this vice once and for all, the best solution needs to be reform oriented. Online classes are taught to make the offenders feel like instead of just being punished for their wrongdoings, they are being helped to overcome their weakness once and for all. The fact that the classes are taken discreetly help to ensure that the offenders feel like their privacy is well taken care of.

Cost Saving

The convenience of taking these classes online also comes with its cost benefits.  You will not have to spend any money on gas or parking.   Additionally, the time that you would have taken moving from one place to another can be used to do something more productive that will earn you more money. For example, there will be no need for you to cancel business trips since the classes are not location dependent. As long as you are in a place that has Internet connection, you can still continue taking your DUI classes online.

Getting A DUI Under The Legal Drinking Age

Driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law. There are harsh ramifications for adults and especially for those convicted of DUI under the legal drinking age.  As a general rule, each state has their own laws that apply, but the basic concept involves additional and severe penalties for the underage drivers. For instance, if an underage driver is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their case is handled by both the DMV and criminal court. This means that both of these government departments will be included in the punishment phase and the youth can receive additional penalties and fines from each area. 

Based on the severity of the infraction, the DMV may order the underage drinker to take DUI classes for drug and alcohol education and for retribution.  The underage driver must comply or they will lose their license along with a plethora of other severe penalties. Taking a class in a traditional classroom setting can be extremely inconvenient as the young adult might need to miss school or work to attend them.  This leads to the potential of missing important information in school, possibly tests, and the embarrassment that friends will find out about the legal infraction.  Or, missing work to leave for a class across town can cause stress with bosses. 

                                                 
One alternative to missing tests, assignments, work and the overall public embarrassment is by taking online DUI classes in order to fulfill the requirements of the court. Prior to signing up, each underage driver will have to verify if these classes will meet the requirements of the court in their jurisdiction. If the court does accept the classes, the individual can take them in the privacy of their own home, when it is more convenient for their schedules at any time of the day or night.  A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the class to prove to the court that the mandate was successfully fulfilled. 

In addition to mandated DUI classes, the underage driver may have their license suspended for a specific period of time. For instance, in the state of California, the court may revoke the underage driver's license for more than one year, since the court order may extend to their 18th birthday. The timing for the suspension is based on the infraction and the court.

Another major obstacle that a young adult who drinks and drives should consider is that when an underage driver is convicted, this information must be listed on all future job and college applications. Hence, it can affect future job offers and admittance into preferred colleges, since the professionals that review these applications are normally looking for individuals who not only excel academically, but also factors that indicate the person is responsible and possess good judgment. This is one of the main reasons why many workplaces order background checks prior to hiring a new employee.  With an underage DUI on your record, it can give the employer and the college recruiter an impression of irresponsibility and potential trouble.  The bottom line is that getting a DUI will create havoc on your life for quite some time.  Think twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol!

The Impact of DUI on Your Life

There are many average drivers that don't know the consequences of driving after drinking or taking any drugs. For the average laymen, here are the reasons why you should be concerned about having “just a couple beers” after work, and then driving home.  DUI or driving under the influence is a felony, and it can have a massive impact on your life. There are several different penalties, and they will all drastically change your life until the situation is resolved. First of all you will have to pay some fines, secondly you will have to pay legal fees, your driver's license will be suspended, you will have to take part in some community services, take DUI classes, or in the worst case you will have to spend some time in jail. And, this is if you are just pulled over.  If you are caught with a DUI and are involved in an accident, or have hurt anyone, the punishment will be to the full extent of the law.

Impact of DUI on Your Life
1)Your social life can be affected in case you get a DUI, as most states publicize DUI arrests, leading to embarrassment for you and your family.

2)A DUI can cost you up to five thousand dollars, which includes fines, legal fees, car insurance fees, license reinstatement fees, bail fees, DUI class fees and other expenses.


3)You will also find traveling difficult, as your driver's license is suspended for 90-180 days, and you will have to travel on public transportation or depend upon friends. Renting vehicles can be really difficult for you, as most car rental companies check driving track records. The car insurance rates and insurance premiums of people that have faced DUI increase a lot.


Long Term Impact
The worst thing about DUI is that it is a felony, and you will have to face long term consequences. The punishment doesn't just end by spending some time in jail, or doing community service.  You may have to face penalties from Department of Motor Vehicles, your creditors, your insurance company and even from your employer.  When applying for a new job, you will have to check the part of the application that asks if you have ever been convicted for criminal activity.  These problems can be even more troublesome then the punishment you get from the court.

Fulfilling Court Mandate by Taking Online DUI Classes
Apart from other requirements, the court may also ask you to take DUI classes. These classes are aimed at teaching people about the health risks, dangers to you and everyone in the car with you, knowledge of blood alcohol limits, legal issues, family issues and other aspects of abusing drugs or alcohol.  Most courts acknowledge online DUI classes, they contain the equivalent information and education as on-site classes, but can be taken from the comfort of your home. Another beneficial aspect of online classes is that they are cheaper, and can flexibly fit into your schedule as classes are available to take 24/7. Therefore, if you are employed at an office, and don't want to interfere with or lose your job, then the convenience of being able to take a class at 8:00 p.m. at night or 5 in the morning, can be really beneficial. The two worst things after facing DUI are to lose your job, or fail to fulfill the court's mandate, so it is best to take DUI classes online.

What Exactly Does BAC Mean?

Blood Alcohol Content or Blood Alcohol Level represents the percentage of your blood that is concentrated with alcohol. It is measured by estimating the amount in milligrams of alcohol that is present in 100 ml of blood. Alcohol is easily absorbed in the body and usually reaches the peak concentrations after an hour. 90% of the alcohol is metabolized by the liver, with the rest being passed through exhaled breath and urine.

High concentrations of Blood Alcohol Content can depress the central nervous system. This lowers the drinkers' mental acuity, something that is chiefly responsible for most workplace and traffic accidents. In some instances, higher than normal Blood Alcohol Content levels can induce coma and ultimately lead to death. A blood alcohol content test can be carried out to determine if your BAC levels are over the legal limits.

A BAC test is carried out to check for the following:

1)Measure the alcohol levels in the bloodstream when you are suspected of being drunk over the legal limits. Symptoms of such high alcohol levels include lack of coordination, confusion, unsteady gait or erratic and dangerous driving.

2)Determine the reason for altered mental state such as coma, disorientation or confusion.

3)To check for the presence of alcohol in persons who are prohibited from consuming alcohol such as underage children or individuals in a rehabilitation facility.

The BAC test is done through the following steps:

An elastic rubber band is wrapped on the upper arm to constrict the blood flow. This makes the veins below the skin to become more prominent, making it easier to inject the vein.  The needle site is cleaned using disinfectants such as antiseptic soap or povidone-iodine solution.  The needle is then stuck into the vein. This procedure can be repeated until sufficient blood is collected via a tube attached to the needle.

Exercising, drinking coffee or taking a cold shower like you often see in the movies, won't reduce the BAC levels. Only time will allow your body to process the alcohol through your system. Therefore if you consider yourself legally drunk, it's advisable not to drive until the alcohol levels are sufficiently low. Drinking a few glasses of water can help to lower the BAC levels faster.

Based on the recommendations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most states have legal drinking limits. Such limits state that the driving under influence (DUI) conviction stands when the blood alcohol concentration is over 0.08%. Thus legal intoxication can be defined as having BAC levels that exceed 0.08%. For persons under the age of 18, this limit is lower and is sometimes pegged at 0.02%. 

If you are caught by police with an illegal BAC level than the court will most likely mandate that you take a DUI or alcohol education class to show retribution.  Online alcohol and drug awareness classes are a convenient, low cost way to fulfill this mandate.  Look for a high quality class that is designed by a specialist in the field.  They are interesting, thought-provoking and will help you adjust your thinking about ever getting behind the wheel while drunk again. 

Getting a DUI in the State of California

Being caught for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime.  A new report comes out every year in January from the California Drinking Under Influence Management Information System. Each year this report lists everything from how many people were arrested to how many were prosecuted. Highlights of the 2012 report include information regarding the increase and decrease of crashes and fatalities.  The good news is that the overall numbers are going down.  Specifically, alcohol-involved crash fatalities were down almost 15.1 percent in 2010.  This is the biggest reduction since this decreasing trend began in 2006.  Other highlights of the report stated, "from the total number of fatalities from crashes, the percentage of fatalities due to DUI decreased 41.1% in the year 2009 to slightly over 39 percent the following year(ca.gov)".

This is excellent news and is likely partly attributed to the strict DUI laws that were passed on 2005 in the State of California.  Specifically, some of the changes now include restricted licenses for first time DUI offenders and the implementation of ignition interlock devices that report whether or not you have alcohol on your breath.  Another new device that can now be imposed by judges is the SCRAM device.   SCRAM is a GPS device and alcohol detector that DUI offenders must wear around their ankles that reports not only their location, but also their blood-alcohol content (BAC) level by measuring their sweat. Also, the BAC level was changed from .20% to .15%.  This stricter reading now determines how long a defendant has to take an alcohol awareness program.  If a DUI offender declines probation, they will receive a mandatory jail sentence of 96 hours.  There isn’t a mandatory sentence for those who accept probation, but a judge can still choose to send them to jail for anywhere from 48 hours to 6 months depending on the severity of the incident. 

In order to prevent the defendant from becoming a statistic a second time around, the court system has found alcohol education classes a successful tool for rehabilitation.  As part of the fine, community service and possible jail time, the court will order a class is taken for educational purposes.  Often the court will approve an online class so that the DUI offender does not need to miss more work or school.  These classes are ideal because they can be taken in the privacy of your own home, in a relaxed and quiet environment and at your own pace.  The client can log in and out at his convenience and the class will automatically pick up where previously left off. 

Look for high quality courses that are designed by a licensed and practicing therapist to ensure you will learn the most current and accurate information.   These classes will present the risks and effects of alcohol abuse on your body and life.  Skills and techniques will be introduced to help the individual overcome alcohol addiction, or to reinforce why one shouldn’t partake and then get in the car to drive.  The bottom line is that drinking or taking drugs and driving a car do not mix.  If you are caught for a DUI, it will completely uproot your life until your sentence is served.  Fulfilling your court mandate for alcohol and drug education classes online will help you to keep some assemblance of sanity during this overwhelming time.