Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drunk driving amongst high school and college students under the age of 21 has decreased since the early 1990’s, national reports still consider college drinking to be a serious problem. In particular, DUI and DWI amongst college students continues to be a serious cause of death and injury and can lead to many other life-altering consequences a permanent quasi-criminal record or loss of future job prospects.
A recent tragedy linked to drinking and driving at the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) highlighted these concerns. One student died and multiple were injured – and this has also led the institution reconsidering its policies regarding on-campus drinking establishments.
College Drinking Statistics
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that almost 60 percent of college students ages 18–22 drank alcohol in the past month, and almost 2/3rds of those engaged in binge drinking during that same time-frame. Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL or .08%, which is the national legal limit for drunk driving. This means that 40% of 18-22 year old college students have drank enough alcohol in one sitting to be legally convicted of drunk driving in the last month if they had also operated a motor vehicle at the same time.
Drinking at The College of New Jersey
On December 2, 2018, two vehicles including eight students were involved in a head-on collision near TCNJ. One student died, while seven others suffered injuries including severe injuries. One of the drivers was subsequently charged with drunk driving, seven counts of assault by auto and one count of vehicular homicide.
Subsequently, it was determined that the driver originally departed the Landmark Americana Tap & Grill in Ewing, New Jersey, earlier in the night. The Landmark is currently located on property owned by the university in an area known as “Campustown.” The New Jersey Division of Alcohol and Business Control and Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal believe that the Landmark’s popularity amongst students, as well as some of its menu items and specials may be contributing to drunk driving and unsafe driving practices. In order to be allowed to continue doing business there, a temporary authorization permit was issued by the state and agreed to by owners of the Landmark. Under the new rules, the Landmark will stop serving alcohol at 11 pm Thursday through Saturday and at 9:15 pm the rest of the week; discontinue selling mixed-drink “fishbowls,” pitchers and buckets of beer that reduce the bar’s ability to control consumption, and adhere to other rules addressing consumption speed and security. The goal is to discontinue any business practices that might otherwise contribute to binge drinking.
Why College Drinking is So Serious
Many college students are living away form home for the first time when they go to college. Furthermore, many college students have had little to no exposure to alcohol before. Finally, alcohol can often be easily obtained in college settings These factors combine to allow for irresponsible drinking practices and often does lead to drinking and driving.
Unfortunately, the consequences for drinking and driving are no less serious for first time drinkers or college students. Drinking and driving can cause injury or death at any age. If you are under the legal drinking age of 21 and are arrested with any alcohol in your blood, the fines and consequences are even more serious. As previously covered on the Edward M. Janzekovich law blog, a DUI/DWI conviction becomes part of your permanent record. It will result in significant fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. As a college student, a drunk driving conviction can also affect your future job prospects, your ability to get an internship, work, apply for jobs, or even travel out of the country. For these reasons, if you or someone you know is arrested, charged, or convicted of drunk driving, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
NJ Driving While High Defense Attorney Edward M. Janzekovich Can Help if You’ve Been Charged
The penalties for drunk driving can affect you for the rest of your life. When it comes to underage drivers or students in college, the consequences can be even more severe. If you or someone you know is arrested, charged, or convicted of drunk driving, a good lawyer can make all the difference. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Union County and Somerset County.