Yesterday we looked at the process by which a store gets their request reviewed to sell alcohol, beer, and wine. We noted that
Lake Forest has 159 total outlets selling alcohol, and among the 12 cities in South Orange County, Lake Forest has the 5th highest concentration with 1 outlet for every 496 people.
Of the 16 census tracts in Lake Forest, 5 are oversaturated, 4 are at their limit, 2 are below their limits, and 5 are zoned exclusively residential and do not permit commercial stores.
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today we'll chronicle the effects of alcohol.
DRUNKEN DRIVING
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
By definition, alcohol is the main cause of “drunken” driving. In 2012, nationwide 10,322 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, and 345,000 were injured. These alcohol- impaired driving fatalities accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the U.S. An average of 1 alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurred every 51 minutes in 2012.
According to the CDC the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $51 billion.
Locally, since 2011, DUI collisions claimed 57 lives and resulted in 497 injuries within the areas contracted by OC Sheriff’s Department.
The most recent data available for Lake Forest for 2007 to 2011 shows a yearly average of 232 DUI arrests and 32 alcohol-related accidents.
CRIME, ESPECIALLY VIOLENT CRIME
While drinking and driving receive most of the media attention, the relationship between alcohol and crime in general is even more important. The causal relationship between alcohol and crimes such as domestic abuse and violence, underage drinking, robbery, assault and sexual assault is clearly documented.
The Department of Justice estimates that a majority of criminal offenders were under the influence of alcohol alone when they committed their crimes.
Research shows that for the 40% of convicted murderers being held in either jail or State prison, alcohol use was a factor in the homicide.
About 3 million violent crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been drinking. Based on victim reports, alcohol use by the offender was a factor in:
- 37% of rapes and sexual assaults
- 15% of robberies
- 27% of aggravated assaults, and
- 25% of simple assaults
Moreover, 70% of alcohol-related incidents of violence occur in the home.
HEALTH
There is a plethora of data demonstrating the adverse effects of alcohol on health. The major conditions linked to heavy drinking are –
Anemia
Cancer (esp. liver, throat, and colon)
Pancreatitis
Heart
Seizures
Nerve damage
Gout
High blood pressure
Infectious diseases (esp. STI)
While this is pretty depressing, it should be noted that these problems are associated with heavy drinking, and there is considerable research which demonstrates that moderate drinking (one or two drinks a day) is associated with some positive health outcomes (e.g., longevity, improved cardiovascular functioning, diabetes, prostate cancer).
SUMMARY
The data clearly support the finding that alcohol use results in drunken driving and contributes to crime, especially violent crime, as well as having a devastating effect on individuals’ health.
The next step in being able to make an informed decision as to whether or not more stores selling alcohol, beer and/or wine should be allowed to open in Lake Forest is to explore the research literature on the relationship between the number of outlets and drunken driving, crime, especially violent crime, and health. That’s our topic for tomorrow.
FYI – A detailed report is available for anyone wanted to learn more. E-mail me at DrJGardner@gmail.com
