Energy Drinks and Alcohol Lead to More DUIs
Energy drinks and alcohol have been popular for years (perhaps the most common being a “Red Bull and vodka” cocktail, otherwise known as a “birch”). But as more studies are emerging, we’re learning that the combination of caffeine and alcohol can lead to a host of dangers.
One of the largest societal risks is that the caffeine masks the feeling of intoxication. As a result, those who have consumed energy drinks mixed with alcohol feel pretty comfortable getting behind the wheel. In fact, it was reported that those who drank these mixed drinks were four times as likely to drive drunk thank those who were drinking alcohol exclusively. It therefore goes without say that in areas where these types of drinks are frequently served, DUI arrests are up.
Young adults flock to these types of drinks, as do many underage drinkers at bars, on college campuses, and at house parties throughout California. In Thousand Oaks, California, the City Council even adopted a new ordinance, requiring all retailers who sell products containing caffeine and alcohol to clearly post signs inside their establishments warning consumers about the potential dangers of mixing the drugs.
The bottom line is, as always, drink responsibly.
