Posted on 10/26/2004 6:52:08 AM PDT by KidGlock
California after motorists "drunk" on herbal tea
Mon Oct 25, 2:44 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California prosecutors are cracking down on kava-drinking motorists who are driving under the intoxicating influence of the herbal tea.
Following their first successful conviction in June, San Mateo County prosecutors have filed three other cases, after about a dozen motorists had been pulled over in recent years, said San Mateo Deputy District Attorney Chris Feasel on Monday.
Kava, while not considered as a drug by federal health officials, is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) as a nutritional supplement that can be used to relieve anxiety.
Motorists under the influence of Kava had a "thousand-yard stare", Feasel said. "They're drooling on themselves sometimes, their motor function is so bad," he added.
He said that police had pulled over kava-addled motorists who were swerving, veering into other lanes and drifting onto the road's shoulder.
"Kava basically has the opposite effect of alcohol," Feasel said. "Kava affects your motor skills before it affects your mental abilities."
The June conviction is believed to be only the second successful one in the country, following a 1996 case in Utah.
In the pending cases, motorists have admitted to drinking between 10 to 20 bowls of the bitter tea, which comes from the kava root, a member of the black pepper family.
"We're cracking down on DUI drivers," Feasel said. "Whether it's driving under the influence of kava, or a good merlot or Advil, you're going to be prosecuted."
Motorists under the influence of Kava had a "thousand-yard stare", Feasel said. "They're drooling on themselves sometimes, their motor function is so bad," he added.
No pun intended, I'm sure.
Advil? A gross exaggeration.
Is Advil intoxication a public threat?
I've never heard of it.
How can they drive after drinking 10-20 bowls of anything liquid? Wouldn't they be better off walking so they could relieve themselves behind every tree?
Oh wait, it's in the city - behind every building?
That's no way to talk about the DNC's core voters!
You can be charged with being "under the influence" of ANY substance that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle, whether it's asprin or ice cream.
Please cite reference(s) where Advil or ice cream impaired someone's ability to operate a motor vehicle.
The law in California reads ANY substance, as I am sure the do the laws in most other states. It is irrelevant if anyone as be convicted of being under the paticular substance in the past.
Let me know when you hear of a Twinkie Prosecution case.
It would probably depend on what is in the ice cream. As for Advil:
"Even over-the-counter medications pose a hazard. Non-prescription Ibuprofen products such as Advil, Motrin, and Unpin have drowsiness cited as a side effect. The cold and allergy seasons are particularly dangerous. One eye-opening study revealed that drivers who´ve taken sedating antihistamines are at a 50% greater risk of becoming involved in a fatal accident! Technically it´s not against Oregon law to be impaired by over-the-counter medications. But you can still earn a reckless driving charge."
http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/Risk/VehicleHardshipRisKeyNotes.shtml
"Common Over-The-Counter Drugs In DUI / DWI / OUI / OWI Cases
"Nurofen, ACT-3, Brufen, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin
Fever reducer, pain reliever, blood thinner. Maximum dose can have the same effect as 0.05% alcohol in your blood. Common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medications (commonly used for arthritis) (Vioxx and Celebrex) can interfere with the blood-thinning capabilities of aspirin or ibuprophen. When taken in large doses, has mind or emotion altering properties, and can be fatal."
http://www.drunkdrivingdefense.com/general/non-prescription-medication-alcohol.htm
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