College students often come home after finals to spend the summer hanging out with friends or working a summer job. Many university students may have stayed home most of last year, taking classes online. However, now that the COVID-19 restrictions are lifting in California, young people are looking to get together to socialize and celebrate. 

Summer Vacation and Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption may increase during the summer, when college students don't have to worry about waking up early for classes or studying for exams. For many young people, their first few years of college may be an introduction to alcohol and experimenting with drinking. However, college-age drivers still need to be aware of the problems with drinking and driving. 

Effects of Alcohol on Hot Days

Temperatures warm up during the summer and with climate change, even the typically mild Northern California can get hot. When people spend time outside during the day, they may not notice dehydration. Drinking and dehydration can increase the effects of alcohol, especially over time.

Alcohol and Energy Drinks

Many young people combine drinking alcohol with energy drinks. Energy drinks may have caffeine, sugar, and other ingredients that are intended to keep you awake and alert. However, one study found a direct link between energy drink consumption with alcohol and drunk driving frequency. The combination of alcohol and energy drinks may keep individuals awake longer while they continue to drink alcohol. 

Drowsiness and Alcohol

Many college-age friends stay out late, drinking and partying. Lack of sleep can be a contributing factor in car accidents and unsafe driving. Combining lack of sleep with alcohol can increase the risk of injury for drivers. Even if the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is not over the limit, a few drinks while drowsy could lead to dangerous driving, and a possible arrest for a DUI. 

Police Enforcement During the Summer

The police are on alert during the summer, watching for signs of impaired drivers. There are several Maximum Enforcement Periods (MEPs) over summer, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. During these periods, law enforcement agencies increase patrols looking for drivers who may have had too much to drink. Saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints are meant to catch impaired drivers and deter others from drinking and driving. 

If you end up under arrest for drunk driving, there are severe penalties, even for a first-time offender. For drivers who are convicted of a DUI in California, penalties may include: 

• Jail time
• Fines
• DUI school
• Community service
• Driver's license suspension
• Ignition interlock device (IID)
• Probation for 3 years or more

College Student DUI Defense

For a college student, there is also a possibility of sanctions from the university, which could include loss of scholarships or getting kicked off athletics teams. Your school's code of conduct or student discipline board may have more information about what students need to report if they are arrested or convicted of a crime. 

With over 37 years of experience, Lynn Gorelick understands the penalties of a DUI conviction and how to fight to keep a conviction off your record. If you are facing a DUI, contact the local East Bay DUI defense attorney who understands that you do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested.