Sunday, December 30, 2007
San Diego DUI Drunk Driving arrests down over holidays
San Diego DUI Drunk Driving arrests down
The number of San Diego DUI Drunk Driving drivers arrested on suspicion of San Diego DUI Drunk Driving has decreased statewide and throughout San Diego County this year, according to a Saturday San Diego DUI Drunk Driving report by the California Highway Patrol.
Between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, 18 county motorists were arrested on suspicion of G, down from 33 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving arrests during the same time last year, San Diego DUI Drunk Driving authorities said.
Statewide during the same 12 hours, 362 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving drivers were arrested on suspicion of San Diego DUI Drunk Driving / DWI, compared to 388 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving arrests during the same period last year, according to the San Diego DUI Drunk Driving report.
San Diego DUI Drunk Driving Highway Patrol officers said four fatalities were reported statewide, including one in San Diego County during the reporting period this year. Last year during the same period there were no fatalities in the county and eight fatalities statewide, according to the report.
In Escondido, police issued 15 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving citations and impounded four vehicles between 6 p.m. Friday and 12 a.m. Saturday, San Diego DUI Drunk Driving authorities said.
In Poway, two drivers were arrested on San Diego DUI Drunk Driving - suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, one was arrested for an outstanding warrant, four vehicles were towed and 26 citations were issued between 8 p.m. Friday and 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
Also, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday on westbound Scripps Poway Parkway, east of Pomerado Road, 75 citations were issued and three vehicles were impounded during a driver's license / San Diego DUI Drunk Driving checkpoint.
The number of San Diego DUI Drunk Driving drivers arrested on suspicion of San Diego DUI Drunk Driving has decreased statewide and throughout San Diego County this year, according to a Saturday San Diego DUI Drunk Driving report by the California Highway Patrol.
Between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, 18 county motorists were arrested on suspicion of G, down from 33 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving arrests during the same time last year, San Diego DUI Drunk Driving authorities said.
Statewide during the same 12 hours, 362 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving drivers were arrested on suspicion of San Diego DUI Drunk Driving / DWI, compared to 388 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving arrests during the same period last year, according to the San Diego DUI Drunk Driving report.
San Diego DUI Drunk Driving Highway Patrol officers said four fatalities were reported statewide, including one in San Diego County during the reporting period this year. Last year during the same period there were no fatalities in the county and eight fatalities statewide, according to the report.
In Escondido, police issued 15 San Diego DUI Drunk Driving citations and impounded four vehicles between 6 p.m. Friday and 12 a.m. Saturday, San Diego DUI Drunk Driving authorities said.
In Poway, two drivers were arrested on San Diego DUI Drunk Driving - suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, one was arrested for an outstanding warrant, four vehicles were towed and 26 citations were issued between 8 p.m. Friday and 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
Also, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday on westbound Scripps Poway Parkway, east of Pomerado Road, 75 citations were issued and three vehicles were impounded during a driver's license / San Diego DUI Drunk Driving checkpoint.
A San Diego DUI can be prevented this New Year's!
San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI attorney news on how to prevent getting a San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI over New Year's
December 31, 2007
Welcoming the new year is a time-honored tradition around the world, replete with parties and innumerable toasts. It is also a time of increased San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI police patrols, DUI checkpoints, automobile crashes and fatalities.
North County residents planning a New Year's night on the town will find plenty of transportation options but few programs designed to help unprepared San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI intoxicated drivers.
If you plan on drinking and don't have a designated driver, finding alternative transportation is imperative, San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI police say.
“The time to look for an alternative is before, not when you're already at the party having a couple of drinks,” Escondido police Lt. Robert Benton said. “DUI is always a priority around the holidays, and we step up our efforts. We will have officers whose full-time assignment will be to look for DUI drivers.”
So what is actually available?
New Year's Eve is one of the biggest business nights of the year for limousine services and taxi companies, the operators say. Cabs and limos may be plentiful, but demand will limit availability. That means longer waits, higher prices or both.
Many limousine companies in North County offer packages for New Year's Eve. Charlie Martin, owner of A VIP Limousines in Carlsbad, said getting one is tricky without an advance reservation.
By Christmas, 10 of the 12 limos in A VIP's fleet were reserved for New Year's Eve. The company's package deal of a limo that seats eight with driver and minibar from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. costs $6,999.
Martin said most limo companies earn more than half of their January income on New Year's Eve, so few will offer deals charging less than the standard rate of $100 per hour.
“I generally sell out by the 29th or 30th,” Martin said. “You (have) got to have it reserved ahead of time. To get one on the day of New Year's Eve is like getting the winning lotto numbers.”
Taxi companies will be near full capacity, and the extra demand can add 50 percent to the waiting time and even double that at the peak time of midnight to 1 a.m., said Erich Humphrey, a dispatcher at Coastal Cab in Oceanside.
While all 10 of Coastal Cab's cars and drivers will be on the streets, Humphrey recommends that you call the taxi company 45 minutes before your intended departure. Providing the exact address and cell phone number will help the driver find you, he said.
“We'll flag (take passengers) off the street, but it's going to be tough to find an empty one,” Humphrey said. “Also, try to have as close to the exact change as possible. Don't use $50s or $100s.”
If a limo or taxi doesn't fit your budget, there are few alternatives. The North County Transit District will be offering free rides on New Year's Eve on its buses and the Coaster starting at 6 p.m., spokeswoman Sarah Benson said, but public transportation stops at 10 p.m.
“We've struggled with this,” Benson said. “If there was any big one event in North County, then we could organize it. But it's just people going to bars, restaurants and private parties.”
The Automobile Club of Southern California will offer its Tipsy Tow service starting at 6 p.m. today until midnight Wednesday. Both AAA members and nonmembers can call the club dispatch line at (800) 400-4222. The organization will send one of its contracted towing companies to tow your car home and drive you as well, spokeswoman Marie Montgomery said.
The service doesn't include any passengers, she said, but is free for the first seven miles, after which the driver must pay the tow company's rate.
“It is not meant to be the first resort,” Montgomery said. “But if you find yourself in a situation and you're stranded and you're thinking you don't want to leave your car, we will tow your car home and take you home.”
Pat Hodgkin, executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in San Diego County, said she found no other free service available in North County. “We put the responsibility on the individual,” Hodgkin said. “It's up to the individual to have a designated driver or to find alternative transportation. If you can't afford alternative transportation, you shouldn't be drinking and driving. It's pretty simple. Even if you had one drink, even if you don't feel impaired, it's just not worth taking the chance.”
San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI lawyers are a last resort.
December 31, 2007
Welcoming the new year is a time-honored tradition around the world, replete with parties and innumerable toasts. It is also a time of increased San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI police patrols, DUI checkpoints, automobile crashes and fatalities.
North County residents planning a New Year's night on the town will find plenty of transportation options but few programs designed to help unprepared San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI intoxicated drivers.
If you plan on drinking and don't have a designated driver, finding alternative transportation is imperative, San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI police say.
“The time to look for an alternative is before, not when you're already at the party having a couple of drinks,” Escondido police Lt. Robert Benton said. “DUI is always a priority around the holidays, and we step up our efforts. We will have officers whose full-time assignment will be to look for DUI drivers.”
So what is actually available?
New Year's Eve is one of the biggest business nights of the year for limousine services and taxi companies, the operators say. Cabs and limos may be plentiful, but demand will limit availability. That means longer waits, higher prices or both.
Many limousine companies in North County offer packages for New Year's Eve. Charlie Martin, owner of A VIP Limousines in Carlsbad, said getting one is tricky without an advance reservation.
By Christmas, 10 of the 12 limos in A VIP's fleet were reserved for New Year's Eve. The company's package deal of a limo that seats eight with driver and minibar from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. costs $6,999.
Martin said most limo companies earn more than half of their January income on New Year's Eve, so few will offer deals charging less than the standard rate of $100 per hour.
“I generally sell out by the 29th or 30th,” Martin said. “You (have) got to have it reserved ahead of time. To get one on the day of New Year's Eve is like getting the winning lotto numbers.”
Taxi companies will be near full capacity, and the extra demand can add 50 percent to the waiting time and even double that at the peak time of midnight to 1 a.m., said Erich Humphrey, a dispatcher at Coastal Cab in Oceanside.
While all 10 of Coastal Cab's cars and drivers will be on the streets, Humphrey recommends that you call the taxi company 45 minutes before your intended departure. Providing the exact address and cell phone number will help the driver find you, he said.
“We'll flag (take passengers) off the street, but it's going to be tough to find an empty one,” Humphrey said. “Also, try to have as close to the exact change as possible. Don't use $50s or $100s.”
If a limo or taxi doesn't fit your budget, there are few alternatives. The North County Transit District will be offering free rides on New Year's Eve on its buses and the Coaster starting at 6 p.m., spokeswoman Sarah Benson said, but public transportation stops at 10 p.m.
“We've struggled with this,” Benson said. “If there was any big one event in North County, then we could organize it. But it's just people going to bars, restaurants and private parties.”
The Automobile Club of Southern California will offer its Tipsy Tow service starting at 6 p.m. today until midnight Wednesday. Both AAA members and nonmembers can call the club dispatch line at (800) 400-4222. The organization will send one of its contracted towing companies to tow your car home and drive you as well, spokeswoman Marie Montgomery said.
The service doesn't include any passengers, she said, but is free for the first seven miles, after which the driver must pay the tow company's rate.
“It is not meant to be the first resort,” Montgomery said. “But if you find yourself in a situation and you're stranded and you're thinking you don't want to leave your car, we will tow your car home and take you home.”
Pat Hodgkin, executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in San Diego County, said she found no other free service available in North County. “We put the responsibility on the individual,” Hodgkin said. “It's up to the individual to have a designated driver or to find alternative transportation. If you can't afford alternative transportation, you shouldn't be drinking and driving. It's pretty simple. Even if you had one drink, even if you don't feel impaired, it's just not worth taking the chance.”
San Diego California DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI lawyers are a last resort.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Canada's MADD going a little too far in DUI fight?
http://3edgesword.blogspot.com/2007/12/madd-should-change-its-name-to-bocb.html DUI blog news
MADD Canada is going off the deep end yet again: this time using the results of a survey to propose massive impositions on our fredoms:
The poll, commissioned by Transport Canada and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, found that there was virtual unanimity among those surveyed that impaired driving is the number one road safety concern, far ahead of running red lights, road rage and speeding.
The public opinion poll, to be released today, also found broad acceptance of get-tough measures. For example:
66 per cent think police should be able to conduct random breath tests;
83 per cent believe the vehicles of convicted impaired drivers should be fitted with ignition interlocks, devices that ensure a vehicle cannot be started without a breath test;
56 per cent of those polled said that all new cars should be equipped with ignition interlock devices;
89 per cent of respondents say repeat impaired drivers should have their vehicles confiscated;
89 per cent say the acceptable blood-alcohol level for underage drinkers should be zero.
Over half of Canadians are willing to have breathalyzers placed in their own vehicles? Over half??
The results of focus groups conducted across Canada found similarly hard-line views, including calls to lower the Criminal Code limit for blood-alcohol concentration to 0.05 (50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood) from the current level of 0.08.
Why? What is really so wrong about 4 Bloody Marys over two hours? Is it any worse than any other number of far more common driving dangers, such as being tired or distracted by kids?
Similarly, Mr. Murie noted that the technology exists to equip all cars with ignition interlock devices at a minimal cost, and that the poll showed strong support for such an approach. He said that, like seat belts and infant car seats, the devices will likely become standard in the years to come.
The MADD CEO said that the oft-cited concern that cracking down on impaired driving will violate civil liberties is unfounded.
1) How funny is it that an organization called "Mothers Against Drunk Driving" has a male CEO?
2) Exactly how is it unfounded there buddy boy? Random checks? Devices in our cars to check our alcohol content? Care to explain this one? Or do you want to just stand by your story with your fingers in your ears. [again, why not call the organization "Mothers against Impaired Driving?" Its acronym would be far more accurate. -ed]
Bonus "alcohol, elixir of life" story: BC plans to tax alcohol based on its liquor content:
Almost half of a group of male University of Victoria students who took a taste test of their favourite frothy friend couldn't tell the difference between low- and regular-strength beer, a study released yesterday shows.
The findings by the UVic-based Centre for Addictions Research B.C. will be used by researchers and health experts next week to appeal to the B.C. government to tie liquor prices to alcohol content.
The idea behind the sin-tax policy is that if low-alcohol beverages were cheaper and high-alcohol drinks more expensive -- thus resulting in a neutral impact on provincial coffers -- consumer tastes would change toward less potent beverages.
How often do we have to say this to get the message across: we do not drink beer because we like the taste of decaying barley in our mouths. We drink beer because it gets us drunk. Some beers do have delicious and easy-drinking tastes: Guinness and Sleeman Honey Brown come to mind. Alley Kat Brewery out of Edmonton has a really good citrus-ey drink called "Full Moon Ale" as well. Regardless, take the alcohol out, and keep the taste 100% identical, I wouldn't touch the stuff again in my life.
Although there was a preference for the taste of the 5.3 per cent beer, 45 per cent couldn't tell the difference between the two, and 66 per cent were as happy drinking the low-alcohol beer as the high-alcohol beer. About half reported no differences in their perceived intoxication.
of course they wouldn't notice an intoxication difference: they each had two beers stretched over two sessions!
MADD Canada is going off the deep end yet again: this time using the results of a survey to propose massive impositions on our fredoms:
The poll, commissioned by Transport Canada and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, found that there was virtual unanimity among those surveyed that impaired driving is the number one road safety concern, far ahead of running red lights, road rage and speeding.
The public opinion poll, to be released today, also found broad acceptance of get-tough measures. For example:
66 per cent think police should be able to conduct random breath tests;
83 per cent believe the vehicles of convicted impaired drivers should be fitted with ignition interlocks, devices that ensure a vehicle cannot be started without a breath test;
56 per cent of those polled said that all new cars should be equipped with ignition interlock devices;
89 per cent of respondents say repeat impaired drivers should have their vehicles confiscated;
89 per cent say the acceptable blood-alcohol level for underage drinkers should be zero.
Over half of Canadians are willing to have breathalyzers placed in their own vehicles? Over half??
The results of focus groups conducted across Canada found similarly hard-line views, including calls to lower the Criminal Code limit for blood-alcohol concentration to 0.05 (50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood) from the current level of 0.08.
Why? What is really so wrong about 4 Bloody Marys over two hours? Is it any worse than any other number of far more common driving dangers, such as being tired or distracted by kids?
Similarly, Mr. Murie noted that the technology exists to equip all cars with ignition interlock devices at a minimal cost, and that the poll showed strong support for such an approach. He said that, like seat belts and infant car seats, the devices will likely become standard in the years to come.
The MADD CEO said that the oft-cited concern that cracking down on impaired driving will violate civil liberties is unfounded.
1) How funny is it that an organization called "Mothers Against Drunk Driving" has a male CEO?
2) Exactly how is it unfounded there buddy boy? Random checks? Devices in our cars to check our alcohol content? Care to explain this one? Or do you want to just stand by your story with your fingers in your ears. [again, why not call the organization "Mothers against Impaired Driving?" Its acronym would be far more accurate. -ed]
Bonus "alcohol, elixir of life" story: BC plans to tax alcohol based on its liquor content:
Almost half of a group of male University of Victoria students who took a taste test of their favourite frothy friend couldn't tell the difference between low- and regular-strength beer, a study released yesterday shows.
The findings by the UVic-based Centre for Addictions Research B.C. will be used by researchers and health experts next week to appeal to the B.C. government to tie liquor prices to alcohol content.
The idea behind the sin-tax policy is that if low-alcohol beverages were cheaper and high-alcohol drinks more expensive -- thus resulting in a neutral impact on provincial coffers -- consumer tastes would change toward less potent beverages.
How often do we have to say this to get the message across: we do not drink beer because we like the taste of decaying barley in our mouths. We drink beer because it gets us drunk. Some beers do have delicious and easy-drinking tastes: Guinness and Sleeman Honey Brown come to mind. Alley Kat Brewery out of Edmonton has a really good citrus-ey drink called "Full Moon Ale" as well. Regardless, take the alcohol out, and keep the taste 100% identical, I wouldn't touch the stuff again in my life.
Although there was a preference for the taste of the 5.3 per cent beer, 45 per cent couldn't tell the difference between the two, and 66 per cent were as happy drinking the low-alcohol beer as the high-alcohol beer. About half reported no differences in their perceived intoxication.
of course they wouldn't notice an intoxication difference: they each had two beers stretched over two sessions!
NFL Star Warren Moon arrested for DUI
DUI celebrity news
Football legend Warren Moon was arrested on suspicion of DUI and driving with a suspended license early Friday morning.
A Medina police officer spotted Moon's vehicle on the Highway 520 Bridge at about 2:10 a.m. Friday and noticed it had expired tabs.
Moon had a valid Texas driver's license, but his driving privileges have been revoked in Washington.
Moon, 51, was arrested and taken to a Kirkland police station, where he was processed and released.
In August, Moon pleaded guilty to negligent driving, a charge stemming from a DUI arrest in April. In that case Moon had been pulled over for DUI, but he tested below the legal limit for alcohol. A judge ordered Moon to perform 40 hours of community service and pay a $350 fine.
Moon was a star quarterback for the Washington Huskies. He went on to play in the NFL for 17 seasons, mostly with the Houston Oilers, and also played for the Seahawks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Football legend Warren Moon was arrested on suspicion of DUI and driving with a suspended license early Friday morning.
A Medina police officer spotted Moon's vehicle on the Highway 520 Bridge at about 2:10 a.m. Friday and noticed it had expired tabs.
Moon had a valid Texas driver's license, but his driving privileges have been revoked in Washington.
Moon, 51, was arrested and taken to a Kirkland police station, where he was processed and released.
In August, Moon pleaded guilty to negligent driving, a charge stemming from a DUI arrest in April. In that case Moon had been pulled over for DUI, but he tested below the legal limit for alcohol. A judge ordered Moon to perform 40 hours of community service and pay a $350 fine.
Moon was a star quarterback for the Washington Huskies. He went on to play in the NFL for 17 seasons, mostly with the Houston Oilers, and also played for the Seahawks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI news
San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI checkpoints this weekend
More San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI police will be on the lookout for San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI drivers under the influence this weekend as authorities expect more San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI drunk drivers on the roads ahead of New Year's Eve.
The Sheriff's Department announced it will conduct a San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI checkpoint tonight from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. in Santee.
In San Marcos, a San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI checkpoint will take place Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. somewhere in the city.
The Sheriff's Department also announced it will not release anyone from jail who is arrested in connection with San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI driving under the influence until the first court appearence, set for next week, or unless bail is posted.
Local San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI law enforcement agencies are preparing for one of the state's most aggressive San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI crackdowns of the year, with five agencies taking part in the Avoid the Five campaign as part of California's holiday San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI DWI crackdown. California's effort coincides with the national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign taking part across the country.
The California Office of Traffic Safety, which provided grant funding for the Avoid program's efforts including officer overtime for San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, is also asking for the public's help in reporting suspected San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI drunk drivers by calling 911.
"Law enforcement can only do so much," said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. "Knowing that other motorists are going to report drunk drivers is a significant deterrent. All of our efforts are aimed at preventing a drunken driver from getting behind the wheel in the first place. One phone call really can save a life." The Tehama County Avoid the Five DUI Task Force will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in the Los Molinos area today and a saturation patrol in the northern part of the county on Monday, Dec. 31.
As of the end of Tuesday night, the North State Regional Avoid has arrested 198 drivers for DUI throughout all five counties: Butte, 60 ; Glenn, 29 arrests; Shasta, 85 arrests; Siskiyou, 12 arrests and Tehama, 12 arrests.
There were no reported DUI fatal collisions.
Law enforcement agencies report 2006 marks the eighth consecutive year in which alcohol-related fatalities have increased in California, with a 0.015 percent increase between 2005 and 2006.
"We want motorists to exercise common sense and good judgment when calling 911 to report a suspected drunken driver," said Corning Police Chief Tony Cardenas. "Under no circumstances should the public make an attempt to follow or stop the vehicle or interact with the driver. Please leave that to the trained professionals by calling 911."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following clues can help motorists detect a drunk driver:
Appearing to be impaired or drinking in the car.
Turning with a wide radius or straddling the center of the road or lane marker.
Almost striking another object or vehicle and weaving or zigzagging across the road.
Turning abruptly or illegally and driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit.
Following others too closely, drifting or moving in a straight line at an angle and erratic braking.
Driving into opposing or crossing traffic or driving with headlights off.
In 2006, 1,597 people were killed and 31,099 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in California, compared to 1,574 fatalities and 30,810 injuries in 2005.
The Office of Traffic Safety, through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency , awarded $4 million in grants to 98 local police departments to conduct sobriety checkpoints throughout the year, including the upcoming holiday period.
In addition, OTS has allocated $4.8 million to fund 38 DUI Avoid campaigns in 41 counties, counties, involving the California Highway Patrol and more than 400 police and sheriff's departments.
Information is available on DUI related activities and statistics from the North State Regional Avoid by contacting www.californiaavoid.org.
San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI attorneys are ready to assist ordinary people.
More San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI police will be on the lookout for San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI drivers under the influence this weekend as authorities expect more San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI drunk drivers on the roads ahead of New Year's Eve.
The Sheriff's Department announced it will conduct a San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI checkpoint tonight from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. in Santee.
In San Marcos, a San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI checkpoint will take place Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. somewhere in the city.
The Sheriff's Department also announced it will not release anyone from jail who is arrested in connection with San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI driving under the influence until the first court appearence, set for next week, or unless bail is posted.
Local San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI law enforcement agencies are preparing for one of the state's most aggressive San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI crackdowns of the year, with five agencies taking part in the Avoid the Five campaign as part of California's holiday San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI DWI crackdown. California's effort coincides with the national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign taking part across the country.
The California Office of Traffic Safety, which provided grant funding for the Avoid program's efforts including officer overtime for San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, is also asking for the public's help in reporting suspected San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI drunk drivers by calling 911.
"Law enforcement can only do so much," said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. "Knowing that other motorists are going to report drunk drivers is a significant deterrent. All of our efforts are aimed at preventing a drunken driver from getting behind the wheel in the first place. One phone call really can save a life." The Tehama County Avoid the Five DUI Task Force will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in the Los Molinos area today and a saturation patrol in the northern part of the county on Monday, Dec. 31.
As of the end of Tuesday night, the North State Regional Avoid has arrested 198 drivers for DUI throughout all five counties: Butte, 60 ; Glenn, 29 arrests; Shasta, 85 arrests; Siskiyou, 12 arrests and Tehama, 12 arrests.
There were no reported DUI fatal collisions.
Law enforcement agencies report 2006 marks the eighth consecutive year in which alcohol-related fatalities have increased in California, with a 0.015 percent increase between 2005 and 2006.
"We want motorists to exercise common sense and good judgment when calling 911 to report a suspected drunken driver," said Corning Police Chief Tony Cardenas. "Under no circumstances should the public make an attempt to follow or stop the vehicle or interact with the driver. Please leave that to the trained professionals by calling 911."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following clues can help motorists detect a drunk driver:
Appearing to be impaired or drinking in the car.
Turning with a wide radius or straddling the center of the road or lane marker.
Almost striking another object or vehicle and weaving or zigzagging across the road.
Turning abruptly or illegally and driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit.
Following others too closely, drifting or moving in a straight line at an angle and erratic braking.
Driving into opposing or crossing traffic or driving with headlights off.
In 2006, 1,597 people were killed and 31,099 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in California, compared to 1,574 fatalities and 30,810 injuries in 2005.
The Office of Traffic Safety, through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency , awarded $4 million in grants to 98 local police departments to conduct sobriety checkpoints throughout the year, including the upcoming holiday period.
In addition, OTS has allocated $4.8 million to fund 38 DUI Avoid campaigns in 41 counties, counties, involving the California Highway Patrol and more than 400 police and sheriff's departments.
Information is available on DUI related activities and statistics from the North State Regional Avoid by contacting www.californiaavoid.org.
San Diego California Drunk Driving DUI attorneys are ready to assist ordinary people.
1 million dollar Bail for Booze & Cocaine DUI Death
San Diego DUI lawyer news
Bail was set Friday at $950,000 for a Chicago man accused of driving drunk and with cocaine in his system after a crash in Park Ridge on Christmas that killed a passenger in another car.
Cook County prosecutors said Branko Curcic, 28, of the 5200 block of North Reserve Avenue had a blood-alcohol level of 0.271 and tested positive for cocaine after the car he was driving struck the rear of a Mitsubishi Lancer that was stopped at Devon Avenue and Canfield Road shortly after midnight Tuesday. The legal limit for blood-alcohol level in Illinois is 0.08.
Curcic has been charged with four counts of aggravated DUI driving under the influence and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. A passenger in the Lancer, Justin Prendergast, 20, of the 5400 block of West Sunnyside Avenue, Chicago, died unfortunately.
Bail was set Friday at $950,000 for a Chicago man accused of driving drunk and with cocaine in his system after a crash in Park Ridge on Christmas that killed a passenger in another car.
Cook County prosecutors said Branko Curcic, 28, of the 5200 block of North Reserve Avenue had a blood-alcohol level of 0.271 and tested positive for cocaine after the car he was driving struck the rear of a Mitsubishi Lancer that was stopped at Devon Avenue and Canfield Road shortly after midnight Tuesday. The legal limit for blood-alcohol level in Illinois is 0.08.
Curcic has been charged with four counts of aggravated DUI driving under the influence and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. A passenger in the Lancer, Justin Prendergast, 20, of the 5400 block of West Sunnyside Avenue, Chicago, died unfortunately.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Former San Diego Padres Player faces DUI - homicide
san diego criminal defense lawyer news
Former major league catcher Jim Leyritz was jailed in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Friday on DUI and vehicular homicide charges.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Leyritz, who turned 44 Thursday, was arrested early Friday morning. Fort Lauderdale police spokeswoman Kathy Collins said a 30-year-old woman died in nearby Plantation after she was ejected from her car during a drunk driving collision with the vehicle driven by Leyritz.
Collins said Leyritz was charged with manslaughter and DUI property damage. Other reports said he refused a Breathalyzer test.
The woman was pronounced dead from undisclosed injuries at Broward General Medical Center.
Leyritz, once called "''The King,'' played catcher and first base during a 10-year career with the New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.
His biggest moment came in the 1996 World Series when his three-run homer against the Atlanta Braves fueled a 4-2 series victory for the Yankees.
Leyritz posted an undisclosed DUI bail Friday .
Former major league catcher Jim Leyritz was jailed in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Friday on DUI and vehicular homicide charges.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Leyritz, who turned 44 Thursday, was arrested early Friday morning. Fort Lauderdale police spokeswoman Kathy Collins said a 30-year-old woman died in nearby Plantation after she was ejected from her car during a drunk driving collision with the vehicle driven by Leyritz.
Collins said Leyritz was charged with manslaughter and DUI property damage. Other reports said he refused a Breathalyzer test.
The woman was pronounced dead from undisclosed injuries at Broward General Medical Center.
Leyritz, once called "''The King,'' played catcher and first base during a 10-year career with the New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.
His biggest moment came in the 1996 World Series when his three-run homer against the Atlanta Braves fueled a 4-2 series victory for the Yankees.
Leyritz posted an undisclosed DUI bail Friday .
DUI Patrol successful in Northern California
Authorities stop scores of drivers in Lamorinda DUI sweep
DUI patrol successful in Northern California
12/28/2007
A California DUI patrol in Lamorinda netted 10 California DUI arrests Thursday night, California DUI police said. Eight drivers were arrested for California DUI driving under the influence; two more were arrested for outstanding California DUI Drunk Driving warrants.
Between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., 25 California DUI officers from eight East Bay agencies stopped 126 vehicles in Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, said Lafayette Police Chief Michael Hubbard. They issued 15 citations and performed California DUI field sobriety tests on 34 drivers.
The effort was part of the Avoid the 25 anti-DUI campaign, named for Contra Costa County's 25 California DUI police agencies.
Officers chose to do a saturated California DUI patrol rather than a California DUI checkpoint because of the rain, which makes it more dangerous for California DUI officers to man a California DUI checkpoint, Hubbard said.
"We were thrilled about the results," Hubbard said. "We took some very potentially dangerous drivers off the road. The sad part of those statistics is we still have people drinking and driving."
DUI patrol successful in Northern California
12/28/2007
A California DUI patrol in Lamorinda netted 10 California DUI arrests Thursday night, California DUI police said. Eight drivers were arrested for California DUI driving under the influence; two more were arrested for outstanding California DUI Drunk Driving warrants.
Between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., 25 California DUI officers from eight East Bay agencies stopped 126 vehicles in Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, said Lafayette Police Chief Michael Hubbard. They issued 15 citations and performed California DUI field sobriety tests on 34 drivers.
The effort was part of the Avoid the 25 anti-DUI campaign, named for Contra Costa County's 25 California DUI police agencies.
Officers chose to do a saturated California DUI patrol rather than a California DUI checkpoint because of the rain, which makes it more dangerous for California DUI officers to man a California DUI checkpoint, Hubbard said.
"We were thrilled about the results," Hubbard said. "We took some very potentially dangerous drivers off the road. The sad part of those statistics is we still have people drinking and driving."
Checkpoint info (Montebello, California) for DUI enforcement
San Diego dui attorney news
The Montebello Police Department will be conducting a DUI sobriety and driver's license checkpoint this week to kick off its winter DUI enforcement program.
It's also part of the national campaign, "Drunk Driving, Over the Limit. Under Arrest."
Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, officers will pull over drivers at an undisclosed location, checking for those driving under the influence as well as those without a valid driver's license, said Cpl. R. Yap of the Montebello police Traffic Bureau.
"The department is dedicated to keeping our roadways safe through enforcement and education," he said.
The MPD - in cooperation with the California Office of Traffic Safety, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Department of Transportation - is promoting the use of the 9-1-1 emergency phone number system to report drunk drivers.
A total of six DUI checkpoints be held into 2008 using a $41,837 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.
The department gets funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The grant is to assist local law enforcement agencies with reducing impaired driving and the number of people killed and injured in alcohol- and drug-related traffic collisions.
The Montebello Police Department will be conducting a DUI sobriety and driver's license checkpoint this week to kick off its winter DUI enforcement program.
It's also part of the national campaign, "Drunk Driving, Over the Limit. Under Arrest."
Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, officers will pull over drivers at an undisclosed location, checking for those driving under the influence as well as those without a valid driver's license, said Cpl. R. Yap of the Montebello police Traffic Bureau.
"The department is dedicated to keeping our roadways safe through enforcement and education," he said.
The MPD - in cooperation with the California Office of Traffic Safety, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Department of Transportation - is promoting the use of the 9-1-1 emergency phone number system to report drunk drivers.
A total of six DUI checkpoints be held into 2008 using a $41,837 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.
The department gets funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The grant is to assist local law enforcement agencies with reducing impaired driving and the number of people killed and injured in alcohol- and drug-related traffic collisions.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Illinois Counties pay $100 Reward if Tip results in DUI arrest
San Diego DUI lawyers are appalled:
The Kane County state's attorney says citizens who report drunken drivers to the police can receive a $100 reward if the tip results in a DUI arrest.
The office says the Drunkbusters program starts New Years Eve.
The office started the program along with the Schaumburg-based Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists and Kane County police agencies.
To receive the $100, witnesses should call 911 with a description of the vehicle, the erratic driving, the location, license plate number and direction of travel.
Drunkbusters also is used in DuPage, Lake, Will and McHenry counties.
The Kane County state's attorney says citizens who report drunken drivers to the police can receive a $100 reward if the tip results in a DUI arrest.
The office says the Drunkbusters program starts New Years Eve.
The office started the program along with the Schaumburg-based Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists and Kane County police agencies.
To receive the $100, witnesses should call 911 with a description of the vehicle, the erratic driving, the location, license plate number and direction of travel.
Drunkbusters also is used in DuPage, Lake, Will and McHenry counties.
DUI New Year's Warning by San Diego California Highway Patrol
San Diego DUI criminal defense lawyer warning
SAN DIEGO DUI
A DUI warning from San Diego's California Highway Patrol Thursday to San Diego DUI / Drunk Driving motorists who are naughty instead of nice this New Year's holiday: CHP officers are prepared to hand out San Diego DUI tickets and put San Diego DUI scofflaws behind bars.
"We really don't like being the Grinch, but if that's what it takes to save lives on the roadway, we're prepared to play that role," said CHP Capt. Cary McGagin, commander of the agency's San Diego office.
"We expect a lot of traffic this holiday season, so allow yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, be patient and courteous to other motorists, and be aware of changing weather conditions," said McGagin.
McGagin urged motorists not to speed or drink and drive, and said people can report suspected San Diego DUI drunk drivers by calling 911.
He also reminded motorists to wear their seat belts and make sure their children are properly secured in child safety seats.
About 80 percent of CHP San Diego DUI officers will be out patrolling local roadways during the New Year's Maximum San Diego DUI Enforcement Period, which runs from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
SAN DIEGO DUI
A DUI warning from San Diego's California Highway Patrol Thursday to San Diego DUI / Drunk Driving motorists who are naughty instead of nice this New Year's holiday: CHP officers are prepared to hand out San Diego DUI tickets and put San Diego DUI scofflaws behind bars.
"We really don't like being the Grinch, but if that's what it takes to save lives on the roadway, we're prepared to play that role," said CHP Capt. Cary McGagin, commander of the agency's San Diego office.
"We expect a lot of traffic this holiday season, so allow yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, be patient and courteous to other motorists, and be aware of changing weather conditions," said McGagin.
McGagin urged motorists not to speed or drink and drive, and said people can report suspected San Diego DUI drunk drivers by calling 911.
He also reminded motorists to wear their seat belts and make sure their children are properly secured in child safety seats.
About 80 percent of CHP San Diego DUI officers will be out patrolling local roadways during the New Year's Maximum San Diego DUI Enforcement Period, which runs from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
.55 Blood Alcohol Level!
San diego dui attorney news
Woman In Drive .55 Bust
Oregon DUI arrestee sets female blood alcohol content record
DECEMBER 27
Meet Meagan Harper. The Oregon woman recorded a whopping .55 blood alcohol level content reading after DUI / DWI police found her passed out last month in a car parked outside a pizza joint. The 30-year-old Harper, who has several prior dui / drunk driving convictions, yesterday appeared in a Clackamas County court, where a judge set her bail at $50,000.
At the time of her DUI arrest, Harper was taken to an Oregon hospital, where her BAC was measured at nearly seven times the state's .08 drunk driving limit. Considering her clear eyes and alert appearance, it seems that the below mug shot of the 5' 11", 130-pound Harper was taken after she sobered up.
Harper's .55 ranks her third on the list of arrestees with towering BAC contents (as covered by TSG). She trails only Indiana's Willard Ashley III, who blew a remarkable .69 in October 2003 and the record is a .72 reported in Riga , Latvia in 2003.
At least she wasn't driving at the time, comments a San Diego DUI lawyer.
Woman In Drive .55 Bust
Oregon DUI arrestee sets female blood alcohol content record
DECEMBER 27
Meet Meagan Harper. The Oregon woman recorded a whopping .55 blood alcohol level content reading after DUI / DWI police found her passed out last month in a car parked outside a pizza joint. The 30-year-old Harper, who has several prior dui / drunk driving convictions, yesterday appeared in a Clackamas County court, where a judge set her bail at $50,000.
At the time of her DUI arrest, Harper was taken to an Oregon hospital, where her BAC was measured at nearly seven times the state's .08 drunk driving limit. Considering her clear eyes and alert appearance, it seems that the below mug shot of the 5' 11", 130-pound Harper was taken after she sobered up.
Harper's .55 ranks her third on the list of arrestees with towering BAC contents (as covered by TSG). She trails only Indiana's Willard Ashley III, who blew a remarkable .69 in October 2003 and the record is a .72 reported in Riga , Latvia in 2003.
At least she wasn't driving at the time, comments a San Diego DUI lawyer.
$ to fight California DUI activity
San Diego DUI lawyers news
The California DUI special grant is to assist in efforts to deal with increased impaired driving problems and reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug related traffic collisions. Last year 1597 people were killed and over 31,000 injured in California in drug and California DUI alcohol related crashes.
The California DUI grant activities will specifically target California DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving offenders and drivers with suspended or revoked licenses. This will be done through the use of California DUI checkpoints set up to screen for drivers who may be impaired or operating without a valid driver’s license.
California DUI Checkpoints have been shown to significantly reduce DUI fatalities when utilized aggressively and consistently. The most positive aspects of California DUI Drunk Driving checkpoints are their ability to increase public awareness, to prevent impaired driving in the first place, and to encourage designating a sober driver.
The California DUI special grant is to assist in efforts to deal with increased impaired driving problems and reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug related traffic collisions. Last year 1597 people were killed and over 31,000 injured in California in drug and California DUI alcohol related crashes.
The California DUI grant activities will specifically target California DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving offenders and drivers with suspended or revoked licenses. This will be done through the use of California DUI checkpoints set up to screen for drivers who may be impaired or operating without a valid driver’s license.
California DUI Checkpoints have been shown to significantly reduce DUI fatalities when utilized aggressively and consistently. The most positive aspects of California DUI Drunk Driving checkpoints are their ability to increase public awareness, to prevent impaired driving in the first place, and to encourage designating a sober driver.
San Leandro police will have a California DUI checkpoint
San Leandro police will have a California DUI checkpoint set up in the 14800 block of East 14th Street on Friday, ...
... Dec. 28, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. They will be checking for drunk and unlicenced drivers in accordance with the “Avoid the 21” drunk driving campaign. This is the first California DUI checkpoint set up in San Leandro in five years.
For the last few years, California DUI police relied on California DUI saturation patrols to find drunk drivers, in which police patrolled the streets with the sole intent of finding drunk drivers, said San Leandro Police Sgt. Randy Hudson.
“Saturation patrols are very effective,” said Husdon. “We are able to designate officers strictly for DUI enforcement, so they are not hindered by other duties.”
But this year, San Leandro police received a federal grant of $20,455.56 from the Office of Traffic Safety, allowing them to set up the California DUI checkpoint and continue saturation patrols.
“There’s benefits in both, but we’re only able to do the checkpoint because of the grant,” said Hudson.
San Leandro police helped run a California DUI CHP checkpoint on Mission Boulevard two weeks ago, and helped the Hayward police run a California DUI checkpoint last week on Foothill Boulevard.
By federal case law, police have to put up signs on the road leading to the checkpoint, giving people plenty of warning to avoid it. These laws were placed by the Supreme Court to make sure the checkpoints are run correctly. But according to police, the checkpoints still work.
“If a driver is intoxicated, their judgment is impaired anyway,” said Hudson. “Even with the CHP and Hayward checkpoints, drunk drivers came right to us.”
The Alameda County Sheriff ’s Office, the driving force behind “Avoid the 21,” gave San Leandro police $3,000 of federal grant money to fund overtime work for police working the saturation patrols.
The federal grant given by the Office of Traffic Safety will fund all the California DUI police necessary to run a California DUI checkpoint, including jailers, community compliance officers to fill out proper car-tow forms, administrative assistants to check driver’s licenses, and blood technicians for drunk drivers wanting blood tests.
Representatives from MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will be at the California DUI checkpoint passing out flyers.
“Hopefully the checkpoint will be productive,” said Hudson. “The bottom line of preventing drunk driving accidents is public awareness.”
Last year, 1,023 people in Alameda County were injured in accidents involving a California DUI drunk driver, and 41 were killed.
San Leandro police will post another California DUI checkpoint next Labor Day.
... Dec. 28, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. They will be checking for drunk and unlicenced drivers in accordance with the “Avoid the 21” drunk driving campaign. This is the first California DUI checkpoint set up in San Leandro in five years.
For the last few years, California DUI police relied on California DUI saturation patrols to find drunk drivers, in which police patrolled the streets with the sole intent of finding drunk drivers, said San Leandro Police Sgt. Randy Hudson.
“Saturation patrols are very effective,” said Husdon. “We are able to designate officers strictly for DUI enforcement, so they are not hindered by other duties.”
But this year, San Leandro police received a federal grant of $20,455.56 from the Office of Traffic Safety, allowing them to set up the California DUI checkpoint and continue saturation patrols.
“There’s benefits in both, but we’re only able to do the checkpoint because of the grant,” said Hudson.
San Leandro police helped run a California DUI CHP checkpoint on Mission Boulevard two weeks ago, and helped the Hayward police run a California DUI checkpoint last week on Foothill Boulevard.
By federal case law, police have to put up signs on the road leading to the checkpoint, giving people plenty of warning to avoid it. These laws were placed by the Supreme Court to make sure the checkpoints are run correctly. But according to police, the checkpoints still work.
“If a driver is intoxicated, their judgment is impaired anyway,” said Hudson. “Even with the CHP and Hayward checkpoints, drunk drivers came right to us.”
The Alameda County Sheriff ’s Office, the driving force behind “Avoid the 21,” gave San Leandro police $3,000 of federal grant money to fund overtime work for police working the saturation patrols.
The federal grant given by the Office of Traffic Safety will fund all the California DUI police necessary to run a California DUI checkpoint, including jailers, community compliance officers to fill out proper car-tow forms, administrative assistants to check driver’s licenses, and blood technicians for drunk drivers wanting blood tests.
Representatives from MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will be at the California DUI checkpoint passing out flyers.
“Hopefully the checkpoint will be productive,” said Hudson. “The bottom line of preventing drunk driving accidents is public awareness.”
Last year, 1,023 people in Alameda County were injured in accidents involving a California DUI drunk driver, and 41 were killed.
San Leandro police will post another California DUI checkpoint next Labor Day.
California DUI holiday information
The California Highway Patrol reported that California drunk driving arrests are up statewide from this time last year.
So far, more than 1,500 California drunk driving drivers have been arrested on charges of drinking and driving.
Santa Cruz County drunken-driving arrests, however, are down by 38 percent from last year -- with 50 DUI arrests since the Avoid the Nine Campaign began last week.
The stepped-up California drunk driving patrols began about a week ago and will continue through New Year's Eve.
California drunk driving Patrols will stake out around the county after the bars close and will put an emphasis on the 41st Avenue corridor. Billboards have also been erected calling for other drivers to call 911 and report California drunk driving or drunken drivers.
The Capitola Police Department will also set up another California drunk driving DUI checkpoint, on Dec. 30 at 41st Avenue and Capitola Road.
So far, there haven't been any alcohol-related fatalities on Santa Cruz County roadways, but there have been three accidents where alcohol was involved, said CHP.
Highway officials said there are options if drivers have one too many: AAA's Tipsy Tow program runs on New Year's Eve from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and gives free tows to drivers who live within a 5-mile radius.
So far, more than 1,500 California drunk driving drivers have been arrested on charges of drinking and driving.
Santa Cruz County drunken-driving arrests, however, are down by 38 percent from last year -- with 50 DUI arrests since the Avoid the Nine Campaign began last week.
The stepped-up California drunk driving patrols began about a week ago and will continue through New Year's Eve.
California drunk driving Patrols will stake out around the county after the bars close and will put an emphasis on the 41st Avenue corridor. Billboards have also been erected calling for other drivers to call 911 and report California drunk driving or drunken drivers.
The Capitola Police Department will also set up another California drunk driving DUI checkpoint, on Dec. 30 at 41st Avenue and Capitola Road.
So far, there haven't been any alcohol-related fatalities on Santa Cruz County roadways, but there have been three accidents where alcohol was involved, said CHP.
Highway officials said there are options if drivers have one too many: AAA's Tipsy Tow program runs on New Year's Eve from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and gives free tows to drivers who live within a 5-mile radius.
Coachella Valley Taxi Owners Association to help stop DUI problems
san diego dui attorney news
It is the holiday season, which means it's time to celebrate, but authorities warn that having a cocktail and getting behind the wheel is no way to ring in the new year.
Federal traffic safety data shows that the daily death toll from drunk driving crashes during Christmas and New Year's is significantly higher than during the rest of the year, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
"Arrests have been numerous already this weekend," said Robert McLoud, a spokesman for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Earlier this week, the Desert Sun reported that Cathedral City ranks second among California cities its size with the worst rates of alcohol-involved traffic fatalities and injuries.
Fifty-seven people were injured and two were killed in 2006, a California Highway Patrol report shows.
Fines and punishments for those caught driving under the influence this holiday season are high, however the data from local DUI checkpoints will not be released until after the holidays, according to McLoud.
Initially a DUI arrest, without causing injury, results in a misdemeanor, according to police.
Drivers charged with the DUI are transported to jail, where they stay for four to five hours, and then are released on their own recognizance, according to McLoud.
The court fines for this type of crime often exceed nearly $2,000, which does not take into account the increase in car insurance, police said.
Traffic collisions while under the influence that cause injury result in a more severe punishment.
The driver is charged with a felony, and remains in jail until he or she can post bail or is arraigned, according to police.
"A felony will affect you throughout your life, and if you take someone's life while under the influence you could be charged with murder. It's a lot safer to get a ride or a taxi that chance it if you have been drinking at all," McLoud said.
Make it home safe this holiday season.
Beginning today, The Coachella Valley Taxi Owners Association will once again implement the "Safe Ride Home" program.
In the past two years the program has provided nearly 700 taxi rides to individuals who thought it was safer to take a taxi than drive drive home, officials said.
The program begins at noon today and runs through 2 a.m. Wednesday and will start up again at noon on Dec. 31 and run up until 11:59 p.m. on New Year's Day.
Taxi companies participating include:
A Valley Cabousine: 340-5845.
Airport Taxi: 862-9000.
American Cab: 416-7447.
Big Horn Taxi: 321-4599.
Classic Cab: 322-3111.
Mirage Taxi: 322-2008.
United Taxi: 327-4222.
USA Taxi: 416-1200.
VIP Taxi Express: 322-2264.
It is the holiday season, which means it's time to celebrate, but authorities warn that having a cocktail and getting behind the wheel is no way to ring in the new year.
Federal traffic safety data shows that the daily death toll from drunk driving crashes during Christmas and New Year's is significantly higher than during the rest of the year, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
"Arrests have been numerous already this weekend," said Robert McLoud, a spokesman for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Earlier this week, the Desert Sun reported that Cathedral City ranks second among California cities its size with the worst rates of alcohol-involved traffic fatalities and injuries.
Fifty-seven people were injured and two were killed in 2006, a California Highway Patrol report shows.
Fines and punishments for those caught driving under the influence this holiday season are high, however the data from local DUI checkpoints will not be released until after the holidays, according to McLoud.
Initially a DUI arrest, without causing injury, results in a misdemeanor, according to police.
Drivers charged with the DUI are transported to jail, where they stay for four to five hours, and then are released on their own recognizance, according to McLoud.
The court fines for this type of crime often exceed nearly $2,000, which does not take into account the increase in car insurance, police said.
Traffic collisions while under the influence that cause injury result in a more severe punishment.
The driver is charged with a felony, and remains in jail until he or she can post bail or is arraigned, according to police.
"A felony will affect you throughout your life, and if you take someone's life while under the influence you could be charged with murder. It's a lot safer to get a ride or a taxi that chance it if you have been drinking at all," McLoud said.
Make it home safe this holiday season.
Beginning today, The Coachella Valley Taxi Owners Association will once again implement the "Safe Ride Home" program.
In the past two years the program has provided nearly 700 taxi rides to individuals who thought it was safer to take a taxi than drive drive home, officials said.
The program begins at noon today and runs through 2 a.m. Wednesday and will start up again at noon on Dec. 31 and run up until 11:59 p.m. on New Year's Day.
Taxi companies participating include:
A Valley Cabousine: 340-5845.
Airport Taxi: 862-9000.
American Cab: 416-7447.
Big Horn Taxi: 321-4599.
Classic Cab: 322-3111.
Mirage Taxi: 322-2008.
United Taxi: 327-4222.
USA Taxi: 416-1200.
VIP Taxi Express: 322-2264.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Xbox goes anti - Drunk Driving / DWI
San Diego DUI lawyer
Scotland's Transportation Ministry is planning to spend £10,000 to subtly insert ads into Xbox 360 titles warning players away from driving while drunk.
This new advertising tactic comes in the wake of claims made recently by Transportation Minister Stewart Stevenson saying, "statistics showing that road deaths, particularly among young people, are continuing to rise."
Targeted games include Need for Speed: Carbon, Project Gotham Racing 4 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 and according to the Ministry, the ads would be non-intrusive and would only be visible to Scotland's online players.
While we're always in support of people not dying, oddly Stevenson's words contradict data gathered by his own administration.
This government-published statistics sheet (published in November of this year) shows that road deaths in Scotland fell by 12% last year, and that the number of people killed on Scottish roads in 2006 was the fifth lowest amount in the last half-century.
Then again, it takes an unhealthy amount of paranoia to try to find shadowy conspiracies in government efforts to prevent people from killing others or themselves. Until Stevenson is unmasked as a Freemason or member of The Illuminati, we're going to applaud his efforts to prevent drunk driving.
Scotland's Transportation Ministry is planning to spend £10,000 to subtly insert ads into Xbox 360 titles warning players away from driving while drunk.
This new advertising tactic comes in the wake of claims made recently by Transportation Minister Stewart Stevenson saying, "statistics showing that road deaths, particularly among young people, are continuing to rise."
Targeted games include Need for Speed: Carbon, Project Gotham Racing 4 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 and according to the Ministry, the ads would be non-intrusive and would only be visible to Scotland's online players.
While we're always in support of people not dying, oddly Stevenson's words contradict data gathered by his own administration.
This government-published statistics sheet (published in November of this year) shows that road deaths in Scotland fell by 12% last year, and that the number of people killed on Scottish roads in 2006 was the fifth lowest amount in the last half-century.
Then again, it takes an unhealthy amount of paranoia to try to find shadowy conspiracies in government efforts to prevent people from killing others or themselves. Until Stevenson is unmasked as a Freemason or member of The Illuminati, we're going to applaud his efforts to prevent drunk driving.
DUI news out of California (Petaluma)
San Diego California drunk driving / dwi / dui news
Petaluma California police average 30 to 40 California DUI arrests per month. This year they have arrested more people for DUI / DWI / drunk driving / driving under the influence than in any other year in the history of the police department, according to Sgt. Tim Lyons.
Since Jan. 1, police have made 570 California DUI arrests, up from 455 in the previous year and the third highest in the state for cities with populations between 50,000 and 100,000.
Holiday California DUI saturation patrols have made 23 California drunk driving/ DUI arrests since Thursday night, and 61 this month. Lots of California DUI defense attorneys may be needed at this rate.
Petaluma California police average 30 to 40 California DUI arrests per month. This year they have arrested more people for DUI / DWI / drunk driving / driving under the influence than in any other year in the history of the police department, according to Sgt. Tim Lyons.
Since Jan. 1, police have made 570 California DUI arrests, up from 455 in the previous year and the third highest in the state for cities with populations between 50,000 and 100,000.
Holiday California DUI saturation patrols have made 23 California drunk driving/ DUI arrests since Thursday night, and 61 this month. Lots of California DUI defense attorneys may be needed at this rate.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
NHL star in jail for California DUI
December 25, 2007
California DUI attorney news
San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of a California DUI or California drunk driving. Clowe, who has been out of the Sharks' lineup for two months after undergoing knee surgery, was stopped by police in suburban Los Gatos for a minor traffic violation. Authorities said the 25-year-old failed a California DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving field sobriety test and was booked into the Santa Clara County jail.
California DUI attorney news
San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of a California DUI or California drunk driving. Clowe, who has been out of the Sharks' lineup for two months after undergoing knee surgery, was stopped by police in suburban Los Gatos for a minor traffic violation. Authorities said the 25-year-old failed a California DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving field sobriety test and was booked into the Santa Clara County jail.
"50-50" chance of getting a California DUI during crackdown
California DUI criminal defense attorney news
December 25, 2007
Stepped-up California DUI patrols by California DUI law enforcement agencies throughout the north state have accounted for more than 170 California DUI drunk driving arrests since mid-December. The crackdown will continue through New Year's Day, California DUI officials said.
Fifty California DUI arrests had been made in Butte County as of Saturday night, according to Anderson police officer Scott Neimeth, of the North State Regional Avoid program.
Chico California DUI police have made nearly two-thirds of the Butte County arrests by putting extra officers on duty just to watch for motorists suspected of California DUI impaired driving.
For the period of Dec. 14-16, Chico police arrested 17 California DUI drivers, and an additional 16 last weekend.
California DUI Agencies participating in Butte County include the California Highway Patrol, and the Chico, Paradise, Oroville, Gridley-Biggs and Chico State University police departments.
"If you drink and drive during the holidays, you have better than a 50-50 chance of being arrested," predicted Chico police Sgt. Dave Barrow.
Glenn County's version of the DUI crackdown has seen California DUI officers from the California Highway Patrol office in Willows, Willows police and Orland police arrest 29 motorists for suspected California DUI / intoxication since mid-December.
"This number is far higher than last year," said Sgt. J.C. Tolle of the Orland police.
Stepped-up California DUI enforcement in Glenn County will also continue through New Year's, said Tolle.
Neimeth noted no California DUI deaths from DUI-related traffic accidents had occurred in the north state as of midnight.
December 25, 2007
Stepped-up California DUI patrols by California DUI law enforcement agencies throughout the north state have accounted for more than 170 California DUI drunk driving arrests since mid-December. The crackdown will continue through New Year's Day, California DUI officials said.
Fifty California DUI arrests had been made in Butte County as of Saturday night, according to Anderson police officer Scott Neimeth, of the North State Regional Avoid program.
Chico California DUI police have made nearly two-thirds of the Butte County arrests by putting extra officers on duty just to watch for motorists suspected of California DUI impaired driving.
For the period of Dec. 14-16, Chico police arrested 17 California DUI drivers, and an additional 16 last weekend.
California DUI Agencies participating in Butte County include the California Highway Patrol, and the Chico, Paradise, Oroville, Gridley-Biggs and Chico State University police departments.
"If you drink and drive during the holidays, you have better than a 50-50 chance of being arrested," predicted Chico police Sgt. Dave Barrow.
Glenn County's version of the DUI crackdown has seen California DUI officers from the California Highway Patrol office in Willows, Willows police and Orland police arrest 29 motorists for suspected California DUI / intoxication since mid-December.
"This number is far higher than last year," said Sgt. J.C. Tolle of the Orland police.
Stepped-up California DUI enforcement in Glenn County will also continue through New Year's, said Tolle.
Neimeth noted no California DUI deaths from DUI-related traffic accidents had occurred in the north state as of midnight.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Stepped up DUI crackdown over holidays
DUI attorneys of San Diego story
WASHINGTON — As millions of Americans hit the roads for the holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) stand united in support of the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) nationwide crackdown, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.
Comprised of stepped-up, high-visibility law enforcement including saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, a multi-million ad campaign aims to increase awareness and ultimately deter drunk driving. Between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays, travelers share the roads with more than 2.8 million drunk drivers with three or more convictions and of those, more than half a million have five or more convictions.
With state highway safety agencies and law enforcement officers from around the country ramping up efforts to stop drunk driving, the nation’s capital set the stage to announce details of increased law enforcement efforts and a $7 million national TV and radio ad campaign. New data released recently from NHTSA showed that while an average of 36 fatalities occur daily involving drivers impaired by alcohol throughout the year, the daily average jumps to 45 per day surrounding the Christmas holiday and even higher to 54 per day over the New Year’s holiday.
“With the help of law enforcement, MADD is looking forward to the day when we can eliminate this deadly crime once and for all,” said MADD’s National President Glynn Birch, whose 21-month-old son, Courtney, was killed by a repeat drunk driving offender nearly 20 years ago. The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving calls for increased law enforcement, such as sobriety checkpoints, mandating alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, exploration and development of advanced technologies to prevent a vehicle from being driven by someone who is drunk, and mobilization of grassroots support for the Campaign. “By displaying a MADD red ribbon in support of enforcement and the Campaign, the public can take action that does remind other motorists to never drive drunk.”
GHSA Chairman Christopher J. Murphy noted that states across the country are increasing their efforts to stop the tragic epidemic of drunk driving. “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. isn’t just a slogan, but is a reflection of states’ increasing intolerance of drunk driving. The time for excuses and exceptions has long passed,” Murphy said. “States are funding overtime enforcement, drunk driving checkpoints and saturation patrols to keep the roads safe during the holidays.”
A detailed listing of state activities is available at www.ghsa.org.
“We know that sobriety checkpoints and other law enforcement efforts help reduce impaired driving and the needless deaths and injuries that go hand in hand with it,” IACP President Ronald Ruecker, director of public safety, Sherwood, Ore., said. “Law enforcement officers will be out in full force this holiday season to crack down on impaired drivers, getting them off our nation’s roads and behind bars.”
DUI lawyers of San Diego brought this update.
WASHINGTON — As millions of Americans hit the roads for the holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) stand united in support of the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) nationwide crackdown, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.
Comprised of stepped-up, high-visibility law enforcement including saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, a multi-million ad campaign aims to increase awareness and ultimately deter drunk driving. Between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays, travelers share the roads with more than 2.8 million drunk drivers with three or more convictions and of those, more than half a million have five or more convictions.
With state highway safety agencies and law enforcement officers from around the country ramping up efforts to stop drunk driving, the nation’s capital set the stage to announce details of increased law enforcement efforts and a $7 million national TV and radio ad campaign. New data released recently from NHTSA showed that while an average of 36 fatalities occur daily involving drivers impaired by alcohol throughout the year, the daily average jumps to 45 per day surrounding the Christmas holiday and even higher to 54 per day over the New Year’s holiday.
“With the help of law enforcement, MADD is looking forward to the day when we can eliminate this deadly crime once and for all,” said MADD’s National President Glynn Birch, whose 21-month-old son, Courtney, was killed by a repeat drunk driving offender nearly 20 years ago. The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving calls for increased law enforcement, such as sobriety checkpoints, mandating alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, exploration and development of advanced technologies to prevent a vehicle from being driven by someone who is drunk, and mobilization of grassroots support for the Campaign. “By displaying a MADD red ribbon in support of enforcement and the Campaign, the public can take action that does remind other motorists to never drive drunk.”
GHSA Chairman Christopher J. Murphy noted that states across the country are increasing their efforts to stop the tragic epidemic of drunk driving. “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. isn’t just a slogan, but is a reflection of states’ increasing intolerance of drunk driving. The time for excuses and exceptions has long passed,” Murphy said. “States are funding overtime enforcement, drunk driving checkpoints and saturation patrols to keep the roads safe during the holidays.”
A detailed listing of state activities is available at www.ghsa.org.
“We know that sobriety checkpoints and other law enforcement efforts help reduce impaired driving and the needless deaths and injuries that go hand in hand with it,” IACP President Ronald Ruecker, director of public safety, Sherwood, Ore., said. “Law enforcement officers will be out in full force this holiday season to crack down on impaired drivers, getting them off our nation’s roads and behind bars.”
DUI lawyers of San Diego brought this update.
San Diego DUI arrests same as last year
San Diego DUI attorney news
There were 76 San Diego DUI arrests and one fatality from 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday in areas of San Diego County patrolled by the California Highway Patrol, exactly the same as during the comparable period last year, the San Diego CHP reported Monday.
Statewide, California DUI arrests totaled 973, up from 953 last year, according to the CHP. But fatalities were down, 13 this year compared to 20 in 2006.
76 folks will need San Diego DUI lawyers. There is an important 10 day deadline to contact San Diego DMV. www.sandiegodrunkdrivingattorney.net
There were 76 San Diego DUI arrests and one fatality from 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday in areas of San Diego County patrolled by the California Highway Patrol, exactly the same as during the comparable period last year, the San Diego CHP reported Monday.
Statewide, California DUI arrests totaled 973, up from 953 last year, according to the CHP. But fatalities were down, 13 this year compared to 20 in 2006.
76 folks will need San Diego DUI lawyers. There is an important 10 day deadline to contact San Diego DMV. www.sandiegodrunkdrivingattorney.net
Sunday, December 23, 2007
San Diego DUI Tips during National DUI Prevention Month
San Diego DUI attorney news
It is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Be reminded of the dangers and costs of a San Diego DUI - driving under the influence of any alcohol or other drugs. In 2005, 16, 885 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. This accounted for 39 percent of all traffic related deaths.
In San Diego County, 106 people were killed and 2,057 injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2005. The yearly cost of these alcohol related crashes is approximately $51 billion nationwide. Drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle deaths. According to local San Diego DUI program surveys, 44 percent of people arrested for San Diego DUI were coming from a private residence, and 36 percent were coming from a bar or restaurant. Thirteen percent report being at parties where minors were drinking.
How to Protect Yourself, Friends and Family: Don't drink and drive. Don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink. Volunteer to be a designated driver. Don't use illegal drugs, or drive under the influence of prescription drugs that recommend not operating heavy machinery. If you do, you risk a San Diego DUI and having to hire a SAn Diego dui lawyer. Don't drive when you are tired. Driving while tired is equal to driving when drunk. Whether you are drunk or tired, it means you have slowed reactions and impaired judgment. Report San Diego DUI drunk drivers to San Diego DUI law enforcement.
If you are hosting a San Diego party, create a setting where people feel comfortable socializing with one another. Encourage conversation and social interaction. Never encourage excessive drinking. Serve food before serving alcohol. Place more emphasis on the food than the alcohol. Do provide an open bar. Be responsible when serving alcohol. Be prepared to say "no" when someone has had enough. Don't let friends drive after drinking or they risk a San Diego DUI. Help guests arrange safe transportation options. Don't allow minors to have access to alcohol. Under local ordinances, you could be fined or serve jail time for being a social host for underage drinking. According to Oceanside's Social Host ordinance, for example, hosts are responsible for controlling the quantity and access to alcohol, verifying age, and supervising the activities of minors. Serve non-alcoholic drinks, too, but remember that coffee and energy drinks do not "sober" your guests. Respect anyone's choice not to drink. Remember that a guest's reason for not drinking is private. Respect it.
A bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink contain almost identical amounts of pure alcohol. Know your limit. Federal dietary guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. Eat food while you drink. High-protein food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol into your body. Don't gulp your drink. Sip it. Don't let anyone force a drink on you. Don't participate in drinking games. Beware of unfamiliar drinks. Some drinks can be deceiving: You may not taste the alcohol in them, but they still can get you drunk. Do not mix alcohol and any prescription medicines. Ask your pharmacist about any precautions or prohibitions with alcohol and your over-the-counter and behind-the-counter medicine.
San Diego DUI lawyers are available to help answer questions.
It is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Be reminded of the dangers and costs of a San Diego DUI - driving under the influence of any alcohol or other drugs. In 2005, 16, 885 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. This accounted for 39 percent of all traffic related deaths.
In San Diego County, 106 people were killed and 2,057 injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2005. The yearly cost of these alcohol related crashes is approximately $51 billion nationwide. Drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle deaths. According to local San Diego DUI program surveys, 44 percent of people arrested for San Diego DUI were coming from a private residence, and 36 percent were coming from a bar or restaurant. Thirteen percent report being at parties where minors were drinking.
How to Protect Yourself, Friends and Family: Don't drink and drive. Don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink. Volunteer to be a designated driver. Don't use illegal drugs, or drive under the influence of prescription drugs that recommend not operating heavy machinery. If you do, you risk a San Diego DUI and having to hire a SAn Diego dui lawyer. Don't drive when you are tired. Driving while tired is equal to driving when drunk. Whether you are drunk or tired, it means you have slowed reactions and impaired judgment. Report San Diego DUI drunk drivers to San Diego DUI law enforcement.
If you are hosting a San Diego party, create a setting where people feel comfortable socializing with one another. Encourage conversation and social interaction. Never encourage excessive drinking. Serve food before serving alcohol. Place more emphasis on the food than the alcohol. Do provide an open bar. Be responsible when serving alcohol. Be prepared to say "no" when someone has had enough. Don't let friends drive after drinking or they risk a San Diego DUI. Help guests arrange safe transportation options. Don't allow minors to have access to alcohol. Under local ordinances, you could be fined or serve jail time for being a social host for underage drinking. According to Oceanside's Social Host ordinance, for example, hosts are responsible for controlling the quantity and access to alcohol, verifying age, and supervising the activities of minors. Serve non-alcoholic drinks, too, but remember that coffee and energy drinks do not "sober" your guests. Respect anyone's choice not to drink. Remember that a guest's reason for not drinking is private. Respect it.
A bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink contain almost identical amounts of pure alcohol. Know your limit. Federal dietary guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. Eat food while you drink. High-protein food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol into your body. Don't gulp your drink. Sip it. Don't let anyone force a drink on you. Don't participate in drinking games. Beware of unfamiliar drinks. Some drinks can be deceiving: You may not taste the alcohol in them, but they still can get you drunk. Do not mix alcohol and any prescription medicines. Ask your pharmacist about any precautions or prohibitions with alcohol and your over-the-counter and behind-the-counter medicine.
San Diego DUI lawyers are available to help answer questions.
Escondido DUI Checkpoint
San Diego DUI lawyers news
ESCONDIDO ---- Police arrested five drivers on suspicion of San Diego DUI driving under the influence of alcohol Friday night at a checkpoint at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Fig Street, according to San Diego county DUI police.
Police also confiscated 55 vehicles because their drivers reportedly did not have a valid driver's license, and one driver was arrested on suspicion of auto theft, authorities said.
The San Diego DUI checkpoint was set up from 6:30 p.m. Friday until 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
The Escondido Police Department said 82 citations were issued at the San Diego DUI checkpoint, designed to detect intoxicated and unlicensed drivers and provide a highly visible operation to deter San Diego DUI people from driving under the influence of alcohol.
ESCONDIDO ---- Police arrested five drivers on suspicion of San Diego DUI driving under the influence of alcohol Friday night at a checkpoint at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Fig Street, according to San Diego county DUI police.
Police also confiscated 55 vehicles because their drivers reportedly did not have a valid driver's license, and one driver was arrested on suspicion of auto theft, authorities said.
The San Diego DUI checkpoint was set up from 6:30 p.m. Friday until 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
The Escondido Police Department said 82 citations were issued at the San Diego DUI checkpoint, designed to detect intoxicated and unlicensed drivers and provide a highly visible operation to deter San Diego DUI people from driving under the influence of alcohol.
SAN DIEGO DUI deaths so far, this weekend
SAN DIEGO DUI attorney news
There was one person was killed on San Diego County highways during the first 36 hours of the Christmas holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol said.
During the same period last year, there was also one fatality reported in the county, the CHP said.
Statewide, there were 13 fatalities in the first day and a hald of the holiday period this year, down from last year's total of 20.
SAN DIEGO DUI
In San Diego County, CHP officers this year made accounted for 76 arrests for SAN DIEGO DUI drunk driving -- the same amount as last year.
Statewide this year, there were 973 DUI arrests by state officers, in comparison to 953 last year.
Although the fatality totals are for all police jurisdictions in California, the CHP's drunk driving totals do not include those arrested by various city police departments or county sheriff's offices across the state.
There was one person was killed on San Diego County highways during the first 36 hours of the Christmas holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol said.
During the same period last year, there was also one fatality reported in the county, the CHP said.
Statewide, there were 13 fatalities in the first day and a hald of the holiday period this year, down from last year's total of 20.
SAN DIEGO DUI
In San Diego County, CHP officers this year made accounted for 76 arrests for SAN DIEGO DUI drunk driving -- the same amount as last year.
Statewide this year, there were 973 DUI arrests by state officers, in comparison to 953 last year.
Although the fatality totals are for all police jurisdictions in California, the CHP's drunk driving totals do not include those arrested by various city police departments or county sheriff's offices across the state.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
San Diego DUI arrests this weekend, so far
SAN DIEGO DUI Attorney California news
December 22, 2007
San Diego's California Highway Patrol arrested 42 drivers on county roads on suspicion of SAN DIEGO DUI / drunk driving / driving under the influence of alcohol between 6:01 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, according to a highway patrol report.
During the same time period in 2006, 39 drivers were arrested on suspicion of SAN DIEGO DUI - drunk driving in San Diego County, SAN DIEGO DUI authorities said.
There were no SAN DIEGO DUI fatalities in the county during the reporting period, highway patrol officers said.
Statewide, authorities said there were 480 drivers arrested on suspicion of DUI, drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, up from 447 in 2006.
According to the report, two drivers were killed on state roads during the reported period, compared with five in 2006.
December 22, 2007
San Diego's California Highway Patrol arrested 42 drivers on county roads on suspicion of SAN DIEGO DUI / drunk driving / driving under the influence of alcohol between 6:01 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, according to a highway patrol report.
During the same time period in 2006, 39 drivers were arrested on suspicion of SAN DIEGO DUI - drunk driving in San Diego County, SAN DIEGO DUI authorities said.
There were no SAN DIEGO DUI fatalities in the county during the reporting period, highway patrol officers said.
Statewide, authorities said there were 480 drivers arrested on suspicion of DUI, drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, up from 447 in 2006.
According to the report, two drivers were killed on state roads during the reported period, compared with five in 2006.
California drunk driving attorneys report California DUI news updates
San Diego / California DUI drunk driving attorney news
Police officials are asking that the inebriated stay off the roads this season — and that the public report anyone who breaks that California DUI law.
To help prevent California DUI drunk driving accidents, California police have launched their annual three week-long campaign, called the “AVOID Anti-DUI Program,” with the help of 350 state law enforcement agencies. Efforts include checkpoints, patrols, stakeouts and court stings — which aim to “reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by this totally preventable crime,” said Wendy Soos, Glendora Police Department community service officer and coordinator for one of several police coalitions.
“Drunk driving can cost you approximately $10,000 for a first time arrest — that is, if you’re lucky enough not to kill innocent people or yourself,” she said.
California DUI Enforcement affecting the Long Beach area began Dec. 14 in South Gate with a multi-agency checkpoint. California DUI Checkpoints continue on Friday (Dec. 21) in the city of Long Beach at a site that has yet to be announced by California DUI officials.
Another multi-agency California DUI checkpoint most likely will take place in Long Beach on Dec. 31, Soos said. Her coalition, known as the AVOID the 40, is made up of 40 police, sheriff and California Highway Patrol agencies.
In addition to California DUI checkpoints, California DUI police will conduct a number of California DUI saturation patrols, which strategically place police officers where DUI driving incidents happen most often to concentrate efforts on those types of California DUI arrests. In total, 36 California DUI checkpoints and about 200 patrols will take place throughout the county during the DUI crackdown.
“Saturation patrols are normally multiple two-officer patrol units, who saturate certain high-incident areas related to DUI crashes or arrests,” Soos explained.
The California DUI task force has seen an increase in support from the public since its inception, she said.
“More agencies are participating in the countywide DUI Task Force, resulting in an increased number of checkpoints, patrols, education and media,” she added.
Officials call it one of the state’s most aggressive California DUI impaired driving crackdowns to keep would-be drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. It is part of the nationwide “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” effort.
California DUI Law enforcement officials began the program in 1973 to suppress the number of drunk drivers and alcohol-related accidents on the road. State grants help pay for the services.
California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles statistics indicate that California DUI alcohol-related car crashes in California have risen in number, from 1,574 deaths and 30,810 injuries in 2005 to 1,597 deaths and 31,099 injuries in 2006.
Officials have asked that members of the public report suspected California DUI drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, California DUI - drunk drivers can usually be distinguished by either slow or erratic driving as well as abrupt or wide turns.
For details, visit www.californiaavoid.org.
The California DUI countywide law enforcement campaign against California DUI drunk driving, called "Avoid the 25," resulted in more than 20 arrests Thursday of people with outstanding warrants related to DUI charges.
Officers in the California DUI program, which is a partnership between 25 agencies in the county, have arrested 125 people on suspicion of California DUI or drunken driving since the winter campaign began Dec. 14, said Jimmy Lee, spokesman for the county Sheriff's Office.
"Tonight, we're focusing on people with DUI warrants," Lee said Thursday evening. "We're going door-to-door arresting people and taking them to jail and they'll have to go to court tomorrow."
There have been no fatal car collisions related to California DUI / drunken driving since the campaign began, Lee said. The California DUI court issues warrants for people who have been charged with California DUI drunk driving if they do not follow up on their court-ordered programs, fail to make California DUI court appearances or do not pay their fines. The California DUI campaign will last through New Year's Day.
A 22-year-old man is suspected of driving drunk and triggering a California DUI accident Wednesday that killed his three best friends and closed a mountain highway overnight.
It was just the type of tragic California DUI accident law-enforcement agencies throughout San Bernardino County are trying to avert during the holiday season by stepping up patrols and DUI checkpoints.
Jose Ricki Flores, who authorities said lost control of his vehicle at 8:41 p.m. as he rounded a curve on Highway 18, was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Authorities were waiting for California DUI test results on Flores' blood, but he is expected to be arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Flores and three passengers were south of Lower Waterman Canyon Road when he lost control of his 1991 Nissan Sentra, spun around and skidded backward into oncoming traffic, crashing into a 2006 Cadillac Escalade.
All three of Flores' passengers - brothers Moises Figuereo, 18, and Jose Figuereo, 17, and their cousin, Oscar Jareguy, 25, all of San Bernardino - were killed.
San Bernardino police Detective John Cardillo lamented the loss of life, disappointed that his department's DUI program didn't save these three.
A countywide California DUI program called Avoid the 25- referring to the 25 California DUI agencies participating in the program - has been in effect since Dec. 14 and will continue through the end of the year.
About $40,000 in grant money is funding 72 California DUI saturation.
San Diego DUI attorneys would like to help any way possible.
Police officials are asking that the inebriated stay off the roads this season — and that the public report anyone who breaks that California DUI law.
To help prevent California DUI drunk driving accidents, California police have launched their annual three week-long campaign, called the “AVOID Anti-DUI Program,” with the help of 350 state law enforcement agencies. Efforts include checkpoints, patrols, stakeouts and court stings — which aim to “reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by this totally preventable crime,” said Wendy Soos, Glendora Police Department community service officer and coordinator for one of several police coalitions.
“Drunk driving can cost you approximately $10,000 for a first time arrest — that is, if you’re lucky enough not to kill innocent people or yourself,” she said.
California DUI Enforcement affecting the Long Beach area began Dec. 14 in South Gate with a multi-agency checkpoint. California DUI Checkpoints continue on Friday (Dec. 21) in the city of Long Beach at a site that has yet to be announced by California DUI officials.
Another multi-agency California DUI checkpoint most likely will take place in Long Beach on Dec. 31, Soos said. Her coalition, known as the AVOID the 40, is made up of 40 police, sheriff and California Highway Patrol agencies.
In addition to California DUI checkpoints, California DUI police will conduct a number of California DUI saturation patrols, which strategically place police officers where DUI driving incidents happen most often to concentrate efforts on those types of California DUI arrests. In total, 36 California DUI checkpoints and about 200 patrols will take place throughout the county during the DUI crackdown.
“Saturation patrols are normally multiple two-officer patrol units, who saturate certain high-incident areas related to DUI crashes or arrests,” Soos explained.
The California DUI task force has seen an increase in support from the public since its inception, she said.
“More agencies are participating in the countywide DUI Task Force, resulting in an increased number of checkpoints, patrols, education and media,” she added.
Officials call it one of the state’s most aggressive California DUI impaired driving crackdowns to keep would-be drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. It is part of the nationwide “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” effort.
California DUI Law enforcement officials began the program in 1973 to suppress the number of drunk drivers and alcohol-related accidents on the road. State grants help pay for the services.
California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles statistics indicate that California DUI alcohol-related car crashes in California have risen in number, from 1,574 deaths and 30,810 injuries in 2005 to 1,597 deaths and 31,099 injuries in 2006.
Officials have asked that members of the public report suspected California DUI drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, California DUI - drunk drivers can usually be distinguished by either slow or erratic driving as well as abrupt or wide turns.
For details, visit www.californiaavoid.org.
The California DUI countywide law enforcement campaign against California DUI drunk driving, called "Avoid the 25," resulted in more than 20 arrests Thursday of people with outstanding warrants related to DUI charges.
Officers in the California DUI program, which is a partnership between 25 agencies in the county, have arrested 125 people on suspicion of California DUI or drunken driving since the winter campaign began Dec. 14, said Jimmy Lee, spokesman for the county Sheriff's Office.
"Tonight, we're focusing on people with DUI warrants," Lee said Thursday evening. "We're going door-to-door arresting people and taking them to jail and they'll have to go to court tomorrow."
There have been no fatal car collisions related to California DUI / drunken driving since the campaign began, Lee said. The California DUI court issues warrants for people who have been charged with California DUI drunk driving if they do not follow up on their court-ordered programs, fail to make California DUI court appearances or do not pay their fines. The California DUI campaign will last through New Year's Day.
A 22-year-old man is suspected of driving drunk and triggering a California DUI accident Wednesday that killed his three best friends and closed a mountain highway overnight.
It was just the type of tragic California DUI accident law-enforcement agencies throughout San Bernardino County are trying to avert during the holiday season by stepping up patrols and DUI checkpoints.
Jose Ricki Flores, who authorities said lost control of his vehicle at 8:41 p.m. as he rounded a curve on Highway 18, was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Authorities were waiting for California DUI test results on Flores' blood, but he is expected to be arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Flores and three passengers were south of Lower Waterman Canyon Road when he lost control of his 1991 Nissan Sentra, spun around and skidded backward into oncoming traffic, crashing into a 2006 Cadillac Escalade.
All three of Flores' passengers - brothers Moises Figuereo, 18, and Jose Figuereo, 17, and their cousin, Oscar Jareguy, 25, all of San Bernardino - were killed.
San Bernardino police Detective John Cardillo lamented the loss of life, disappointed that his department's DUI program didn't save these three.
A countywide California DUI program called Avoid the 25- referring to the 25 California DUI agencies participating in the program - has been in effect since Dec. 14 and will continue through the end of the year.
About $40,000 in grant money is funding 72 California DUI saturation.
San Diego DUI attorneys would like to help any way possible.
Denied entry into Canada because of drunk driving / DUI / DWI?
If you've been denied entry into Canada solely because of a DWI conviction, Star Tribune reporter Larry Oakes would like to hear from you.
He's conducting interviews for a story on Canada's policy of refusing entry to people with such convictions.
Sharing your experience could help raise awareness of this issue and perhaps help others avoid an unpleasant surprise at the border.
You can reach Oakes at 1-800-266-9648 or loakes@startribune.com
He's conducting interviews for a story on Canada's policy of refusing entry to people with such convictions.
Sharing your experience could help raise awareness of this issue and perhaps help others avoid an unpleasant surprise at the border.
You can reach Oakes at 1-800-266-9648 or loakes@startribune.com
DUI very expensive this holiday season
San Diego DUI attorney news - penalties update
People celebrating the holidays by drinking at a bar or party and deciding to drive home might wake up to an unexpected, expensive bill to pay.
The average cost for a first-time DUI conviction is $3,200, including fines, fees, jail costs and an ignition interlock device for a year. That doesn't include the expense of an attorney, the increase in insurance costs, or the bill if the car gets towed.
Compare that to the average price of a cab ride home from north Scottsdale to Chandler at $31 or asking a friend to be the designated driver.
The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety hopes by educating drivers of the steep costs of driving under the influence that more people will plan for a safe way home this season.
One of the reasons for the effort is that drunken driving fatalities rose 9 percent in Arizona last year. Drunken drivers killed 375 people in 2005 and 409 in 2006. State DUI Task Forces have already reeled in 1,254 arrests since Thanksgiving.
"We want people to enjoy themselves, but they need to find a sober way to get home. You could hurt yourself or other motorists," GOHS spokesman Michael Hegarty said. "There is no silver bullet to stop drunk driving. Some people need to go to jail and for some, it comes down to cost."
In the past three years, drunken driving costs have continued to escalate.
"The costs of DUIs are so high not just in terms of money but potential loss of human life. People better think twice," Mesa city prosecutor John Pombier said. "Whether they are worried about safety or their individual pocketbooks, if either of these reasons keeps you from drinking and driving then we are safer and better off."
In September, a new state law required everyone convicted of drunken driving to use an interlock system on their car, increasing the cost by $960 for 12 months.
In 2005, lawmakers added an Arizona Department of Public Safety fund assessment fee of $500 for a first-time DUI and $1,000 for extreme DUIs. In 2004, they approved a $500 prison fee for first-time DUI and $1,000 prison fee for extreme DUIs. The legal limit for DUI is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content. An extreme DUI is 0.15.
Supreme DUI, aimed at career or problem drinkers, went into effect in September. It's for drivers having registering 0.20 or higher.
A dui defense lawyer is someone who can help.
People celebrating the holidays by drinking at a bar or party and deciding to drive home might wake up to an unexpected, expensive bill to pay.
The average cost for a first-time DUI conviction is $3,200, including fines, fees, jail costs and an ignition interlock device for a year. That doesn't include the expense of an attorney, the increase in insurance costs, or the bill if the car gets towed.
Compare that to the average price of a cab ride home from north Scottsdale to Chandler at $31 or asking a friend to be the designated driver.
The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety hopes by educating drivers of the steep costs of driving under the influence that more people will plan for a safe way home this season.
One of the reasons for the effort is that drunken driving fatalities rose 9 percent in Arizona last year. Drunken drivers killed 375 people in 2005 and 409 in 2006. State DUI Task Forces have already reeled in 1,254 arrests since Thanksgiving.
"We want people to enjoy themselves, but they need to find a sober way to get home. You could hurt yourself or other motorists," GOHS spokesman Michael Hegarty said. "There is no silver bullet to stop drunk driving. Some people need to go to jail and for some, it comes down to cost."
In the past three years, drunken driving costs have continued to escalate.
"The costs of DUIs are so high not just in terms of money but potential loss of human life. People better think twice," Mesa city prosecutor John Pombier said. "Whether they are worried about safety or their individual pocketbooks, if either of these reasons keeps you from drinking and driving then we are safer and better off."
In September, a new state law required everyone convicted of drunken driving to use an interlock system on their car, increasing the cost by $960 for 12 months.
In 2005, lawmakers added an Arizona Department of Public Safety fund assessment fee of $500 for a first-time DUI and $1,000 for extreme DUIs. In 2004, they approved a $500 prison fee for first-time DUI and $1,000 prison fee for extreme DUIs. The legal limit for DUI is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content. An extreme DUI is 0.15.
Supreme DUI, aimed at career or problem drinkers, went into effect in September. It's for drivers having registering 0.20 or higher.
A dui defense lawyer is someone who can help.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Prosecutor charged with Drunk Driving / DUI
San Diego DUI lawyer news
A prosecutor will be suspended without pay for at least 60 days after being charged with drunk driving / DUI .
District Attorney Richard Consiglio says he will suspend his assistant, Deanne Paul, effective Jan. 2. Ms. Paul was stopped for alleged drunk driving on Dec. 12 and waived a hearing on that charge yesterday.
Mr. Consiglio says Ms. Paul's suspension is indefinite but will be re-evaluated no sooner than 60 days after it takes effect.
The 38-year-old Ms. Paul was stopped by Allegheny Township police.
A prosecutor will be suspended without pay for at least 60 days after being charged with drunk driving / DUI .
District Attorney Richard Consiglio says he will suspend his assistant, Deanne Paul, effective Jan. 2. Ms. Paul was stopped for alleged drunk driving on Dec. 12 and waived a hearing on that charge yesterday.
Mr. Consiglio says Ms. Paul's suspension is indefinite but will be re-evaluated no sooner than 60 days after it takes effect.
The 38-year-old Ms. Paul was stopped by Allegheny Township police.
Pitbull arrested for DUI
San Diego DUI attorney news
Miami rapper PITBULL has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). The Latino hip hop star - real name Armando Perez - was booked into Miami's county jail in the early hours of Friday (21Dec07) morning. As WENN went to press, representatives for the Miami-Dade county jail had not yet provided information on the DUI charge. However the rapper is expected stand in front of a judge and be released on a $1,000 (GBP500) bond on Friday (21Dec07) afternoon, according to AllHipHop.com. Pitbull's latest album - his fourth - hit U.S. stores last month (27Nov07). The Cuban-American star also goes under the nicknames Lil' Chico or Mr. 305.
Miami rapper PITBULL has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). The Latino hip hop star - real name Armando Perez - was booked into Miami's county jail in the early hours of Friday (21Dec07) morning. As WENN went to press, representatives for the Miami-Dade county jail had not yet provided information on the DUI charge. However the rapper is expected stand in front of a judge and be released on a $1,000 (GBP500) bond on Friday (21Dec07) afternoon, according to AllHipHop.com. Pitbull's latest album - his fourth - hit U.S. stores last month (27Nov07). The Cuban-American star also goes under the nicknames Lil' Chico or Mr. 305.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Life in Prison for killing grandmother?
San Diego California DUI lawyers news
A man with a history of DUI convictions who is now accused of driving drunk and causing a freeway crash that killed a 75-year-old grandmother must stand trial on murder and other charges, a judge ruled Monday.
John Joseph Taskey, 46, faces more than 15 years to life in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney David Grapilon.
The defendant was on parole for a DUI conviction when the crash occurred.
The car the victim was riding in was one of two cars carrying family members to watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs when the 6:30 p.m. collision happened Sept. 13.
Witness John Covey testified during a two-hour preliminary hearing that he was driving westbound on Interstate 8 when the crash occurred.
Covey said he was slowing down as the roadway ended and noticed a truck going by him at freeway speeds.
"It was going substantially faster than me," Covey testified. "I saw him rear-end a vehicle."
The truck, driven by Taskey, slammed into the back of a Ford Focus that was stopped or close to stopped, causing the vehicle to roll over a number of times.
Covey said the Ford Focus "flipped, twisted and spun" right in front of his car.
"It was literally a blur," the witness said.
Covey said he checked on Taskey and his passenger, then turned his attention to the victims' vehicle.
The driver of that vehicle was outside of the car, but three people were dazed in the back seat and one person was in the front passenger seat, the witness said.
Rosa Degerman, sitting in the back seat, was seriously injured and died the next morning at a hospital.
A 7-year-old girl in the victims' car suffered a fractured left shoulder and a male passenger suffered a concussion, the prosecutor said.
CHP Officer Jesus Magdaleno testified Taskey was driving on a suspended driver's license, appeared very disoriented and had an odor of alcohol and an injured finger.
The officer said he had Taskey blow into a breathalyzer to check his blood-alcohol level and the defendant registered a .112 percent and then a .118 percent on a second test. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .08 percent.
Speed was the main reason for the crash, Magdaleno testified.
Besides second-degree murder, Taskey is also charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony DUI and driving with a .08 percent blood-alcohol level or higher.
The defendant has five prior DUI convictions between 1997 and 2006, Grapilon said.
Because of his prior DUI convictions and his taking court-ordered classes on the dangers of drinking and driving, Taskey was on notice that his actions could result in him seriously injuring or killing someone and being charged with murder.
A man with a history of DUI convictions who is now accused of driving drunk and causing a freeway crash that killed a 75-year-old grandmother must stand trial on murder and other charges, a judge ruled Monday.
John Joseph Taskey, 46, faces more than 15 years to life in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney David Grapilon.
The defendant was on parole for a DUI conviction when the crash occurred.
The car the victim was riding in was one of two cars carrying family members to watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs when the 6:30 p.m. collision happened Sept. 13.
Witness John Covey testified during a two-hour preliminary hearing that he was driving westbound on Interstate 8 when the crash occurred.
Covey said he was slowing down as the roadway ended and noticed a truck going by him at freeway speeds.
"It was going substantially faster than me," Covey testified. "I saw him rear-end a vehicle."
The truck, driven by Taskey, slammed into the back of a Ford Focus that was stopped or close to stopped, causing the vehicle to roll over a number of times.
Covey said the Ford Focus "flipped, twisted and spun" right in front of his car.
"It was literally a blur," the witness said.
Covey said he checked on Taskey and his passenger, then turned his attention to the victims' vehicle.
The driver of that vehicle was outside of the car, but three people were dazed in the back seat and one person was in the front passenger seat, the witness said.
Rosa Degerman, sitting in the back seat, was seriously injured and died the next morning at a hospital.
A 7-year-old girl in the victims' car suffered a fractured left shoulder and a male passenger suffered a concussion, the prosecutor said.
CHP Officer Jesus Magdaleno testified Taskey was driving on a suspended driver's license, appeared very disoriented and had an odor of alcohol and an injured finger.
The officer said he had Taskey blow into a breathalyzer to check his blood-alcohol level and the defendant registered a .112 percent and then a .118 percent on a second test. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .08 percent.
Speed was the main reason for the crash, Magdaleno testified.
Besides second-degree murder, Taskey is also charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony DUI and driving with a .08 percent blood-alcohol level or higher.
The defendant has five prior DUI convictions between 1997 and 2006, Grapilon said.
Because of his prior DUI convictions and his taking court-ordered classes on the dangers of drinking and driving, Taskey was on notice that his actions could result in him seriously injuring or killing someone and being charged with murder.
Bears: Don't get a DUI - get a Designated Driver
San Diego DUI news
CHICAGO, IL -- 12/20/07 -- The Chicago Bears are one of six NFL teams being recognized for their large number of fans pledging to be designated drivers at home games this season, the TEAM Coalition (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) announced today. The Bears join the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Detroit Lions in this prestigious ranking to save lives on our nation's highways.
At the Bears home game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 23, TEAM Coalition will recognize the Bears and their fans at a pre-game ceremony for their continued effort to make our roadways safe. Representatives of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, Miller Brewing Company, and Delaware North Companies Sportservice, the building's concessionaire and club and suite food service provider, will join TEAM at the event.
"We want the game-day experience to continue to be safe and enjoyable for Bears fans while they enjoy Soldier Field and as they travel home after the games," said Ted Phillips, president and CEO of the Chicago Bears. "We are proud of our fans' commitment to responsible behavior and thrilled to reward them with such a great opportunity."
Through the Miller Live Responsibly program, nearly 6,000 Bears fans promised to refrain from drinking and be the designated drivers to get their friends and family home safely from Soldier Field this season. TEAM Coalition has been aggressively promoting designated-driver programs like Live Responsibly at NFL stadiums since 2003 with a league-wide campaign called Responsibility Has Its Rewards. The campaign encourages fans to participate in designated-driver programs supported by beer and concessionaire companies at every NFL stadium nationwide.
"Miller Brewing Company has worked closely with professional sports teams like the Bears for more than two decades to encourage responsible consumption at sporting events, and to help prevent underage access to alcohol and drunk driving," said Kim Marotta, director of Social Responsibility for Miller Brewing Company. "We see our support of the Bears designated driver program as an important complement to our overall responsibility initiatives."
"Sobriety is no accident," said Sportservice president Rick Abramson. "That's why we work closely with our clients to strongly promote and advocate that fans make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol and to take appropriate action, including declining to serve them, when they do not. The designated driver program is an important component of the alcohol management program at Soldier Field."
During the 2006 NFL season, more than 100,000 football fans planned ahead and make the responsible, winning play by pledging to be designated drivers. This season, the league-wide total is estimated to be 110,000.
"This promotion is an opportunity for the NFL to show support for the teams' efforts in coordination with the concessionaire, brewer, and beer wholesaler to encourage responsible fan behavior. And for the fans, it's a great reminder that responsibility really does have its rewards," said Jill Pepper, executive director of the TEAM Coalition.
One lucky Bears fan will be selected by TEAM Coalition as the Bears' Designated Driver of the Season. That fan will be entered in a drawing to win a trip to the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl® in Honolulu, Hawaii. The winner of that prize will be selected by TEAM Coalition through a random drawing after the NFC and AFC Champions are determined. And the Designated Drivers of the Season from the two teams competing in the Super Bowl® will join their favorite teams at Super Bowl XLII® which will be played on February 3, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona.
Recognition of the Bears fans' commitment to the designated driver program coincides with IDOT's enforcement crackdown on drunk drivers called You Drink and Drive, You Lose.
"We want to congratulate the Bears and their fans and remind everyone that true football Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk," said Michael Stout, director of the Division of Highway Safety for the Illinois Department of Transportation. "If you plan on consuming alcohol whether you are at the game or watching from a house party or sports bar, pass your keys to a sober, designated driver before the party begins. We commend all the Responsibility Has Its Rewards campaign partners for creating such a fantastic incentive for fans who make the responsible decision to designate a driver."
"I commend the Bears on their efforts to keep drunk drivers off the roads," says Illinois Liquor Control Commission Acting Director Lainie Krozel. "Gov. Blagojevich and the State of Illinois are committed to reducing impaired-driving fatalities, and the Liquor Commission plays an important role in this responsibility effort by offering increased alcohol server training opportunities, ensuring patrons are not over-served, and educating our youth on the dangers of drinking and driving. By working together as a team, we can prevent needless deaths from occurring on our roadways."
Sergeant Scott Slavin, Traffic Section Chicago Police Department, added, "The Chicago Police Department would like to thank the Bears for joining us and our traffic safety partners with this initiative. The Chicago Police Department has a Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving! Designate a driver or we will designate one for you! No Excuses, no exceptions!"
Fortunately, football fans join millions of other Americans who already know how to "do the ride thing." According to the 2007 Designated Driver poll conducted by Nielsen Media Research, 154 million of the American adult population have been a designated driver or have been driven home by one.
TEAM Coalition -- an alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaries, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, traffic safety experts and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities.
For more information, please visit www.teamcoalition.org or www.rhir.org.
CHICAGO, IL -- 12/20/07 -- The Chicago Bears are one of six NFL teams being recognized for their large number of fans pledging to be designated drivers at home games this season, the TEAM Coalition (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) announced today. The Bears join the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Detroit Lions in this prestigious ranking to save lives on our nation's highways.
At the Bears home game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 23, TEAM Coalition will recognize the Bears and their fans at a pre-game ceremony for their continued effort to make our roadways safe. Representatives of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, Miller Brewing Company, and Delaware North Companies Sportservice, the building's concessionaire and club and suite food service provider, will join TEAM at the event.
"We want the game-day experience to continue to be safe and enjoyable for Bears fans while they enjoy Soldier Field and as they travel home after the games," said Ted Phillips, president and CEO of the Chicago Bears. "We are proud of our fans' commitment to responsible behavior and thrilled to reward them with such a great opportunity."
Through the Miller Live Responsibly program, nearly 6,000 Bears fans promised to refrain from drinking and be the designated drivers to get their friends and family home safely from Soldier Field this season. TEAM Coalition has been aggressively promoting designated-driver programs like Live Responsibly at NFL stadiums since 2003 with a league-wide campaign called Responsibility Has Its Rewards. The campaign encourages fans to participate in designated-driver programs supported by beer and concessionaire companies at every NFL stadium nationwide.
"Miller Brewing Company has worked closely with professional sports teams like the Bears for more than two decades to encourage responsible consumption at sporting events, and to help prevent underage access to alcohol and drunk driving," said Kim Marotta, director of Social Responsibility for Miller Brewing Company. "We see our support of the Bears designated driver program as an important complement to our overall responsibility initiatives."
"Sobriety is no accident," said Sportservice president Rick Abramson. "That's why we work closely with our clients to strongly promote and advocate that fans make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol and to take appropriate action, including declining to serve them, when they do not. The designated driver program is an important component of the alcohol management program at Soldier Field."
During the 2006 NFL season, more than 100,000 football fans planned ahead and make the responsible, winning play by pledging to be designated drivers. This season, the league-wide total is estimated to be 110,000.
"This promotion is an opportunity for the NFL to show support for the teams' efforts in coordination with the concessionaire, brewer, and beer wholesaler to encourage responsible fan behavior. And for the fans, it's a great reminder that responsibility really does have its rewards," said Jill Pepper, executive director of the TEAM Coalition.
One lucky Bears fan will be selected by TEAM Coalition as the Bears' Designated Driver of the Season. That fan will be entered in a drawing to win a trip to the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl® in Honolulu, Hawaii. The winner of that prize will be selected by TEAM Coalition through a random drawing after the NFC and AFC Champions are determined. And the Designated Drivers of the Season from the two teams competing in the Super Bowl® will join their favorite teams at Super Bowl XLII® which will be played on February 3, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona.
Recognition of the Bears fans' commitment to the designated driver program coincides with IDOT's enforcement crackdown on drunk drivers called You Drink and Drive, You Lose.
"We want to congratulate the Bears and their fans and remind everyone that true football Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk," said Michael Stout, director of the Division of Highway Safety for the Illinois Department of Transportation. "If you plan on consuming alcohol whether you are at the game or watching from a house party or sports bar, pass your keys to a sober, designated driver before the party begins. We commend all the Responsibility Has Its Rewards campaign partners for creating such a fantastic incentive for fans who make the responsible decision to designate a driver."
"I commend the Bears on their efforts to keep drunk drivers off the roads," says Illinois Liquor Control Commission Acting Director Lainie Krozel. "Gov. Blagojevich and the State of Illinois are committed to reducing impaired-driving fatalities, and the Liquor Commission plays an important role in this responsibility effort by offering increased alcohol server training opportunities, ensuring patrons are not over-served, and educating our youth on the dangers of drinking and driving. By working together as a team, we can prevent needless deaths from occurring on our roadways."
Sergeant Scott Slavin, Traffic Section Chicago Police Department, added, "The Chicago Police Department would like to thank the Bears for joining us and our traffic safety partners with this initiative. The Chicago Police Department has a Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving! Designate a driver or we will designate one for you! No Excuses, no exceptions!"
Fortunately, football fans join millions of other Americans who already know how to "do the ride thing." According to the 2007 Designated Driver poll conducted by Nielsen Media Research, 154 million of the American adult population have been a designated driver or have been driven home by one.
TEAM Coalition -- an alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaries, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, traffic safety experts and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities.
For more information, please visit www.teamcoalition.org or www.rhir.org.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
4 weekend DUI deaths are tragic
San Diego Drunk Driving Attorney news
An ex-con accused of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs when his SUV slammed into a car in Pala, killing four North County residents, was charged Wednesday with one count of possession of methamphetamine.
Judge Joel Pressman scheduled a Friday arraignment for Anthony Boles, 24, at the Vista Courthouse.
Other charges could be filed in connection with the case, pending the completion of the crash investigation, Deputy District Attorney Brenda Daly said.
Just before midnight Friday, Boles' vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic on state Route 76 and struck a sedan, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Kerns.
Both vehicles caught fire and landed on their roofs. In the sedan, Escondido residents Jesus DeSantiago, 45, his wife Lina DeSantiago, 46, and Rubi Baez, 46, of Vista, died.
Baez's husband, Luis Baez, 51, was flown to a hospital but later died of his injuries.
Kerns said passers-by pulled Boles and a woman, 23-year-old Deanna Fridley, to safety. Both Palm Springs residents were treated at Palomar Medical Center. Boles has since been released and was booked at the Vista Detention Facility.
Methamphetamine was found in Boles pocket, Kerns said.
Boles had a long criminal history and his license was suspended four days before the crash because he didn't have insurance, according to newspaper reports.
He has prior convictions for driving under the influence, assault with a deadly weapon, and drug possession.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, he served only five weekends in jail following his 2006 DUI conviction, but had a device placed in his vehicle that prevents the engine from turning on if alcohol is detected on the breath of the driver.
The SUV in Friday's crash was a different vehicle, however.
The judge set bail at $25,000. Both occupants deny driving.
An ex-con accused of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs when his SUV slammed into a car in Pala, killing four North County residents, was charged Wednesday with one count of possession of methamphetamine.
Judge Joel Pressman scheduled a Friday arraignment for Anthony Boles, 24, at the Vista Courthouse.
Other charges could be filed in connection with the case, pending the completion of the crash investigation, Deputy District Attorney Brenda Daly said.
Just before midnight Friday, Boles' vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic on state Route 76 and struck a sedan, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Kerns.
Both vehicles caught fire and landed on their roofs. In the sedan, Escondido residents Jesus DeSantiago, 45, his wife Lina DeSantiago, 46, and Rubi Baez, 46, of Vista, died.
Baez's husband, Luis Baez, 51, was flown to a hospital but later died of his injuries.
Kerns said passers-by pulled Boles and a woman, 23-year-old Deanna Fridley, to safety. Both Palm Springs residents were treated at Palomar Medical Center. Boles has since been released and was booked at the Vista Detention Facility.
Methamphetamine was found in Boles pocket, Kerns said.
Boles had a long criminal history and his license was suspended four days before the crash because he didn't have insurance, according to newspaper reports.
He has prior convictions for driving under the influence, assault with a deadly weapon, and drug possession.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, he served only five weekends in jail following his 2006 DUI conviction, but had a device placed in his vehicle that prevents the engine from turning on if alcohol is detected on the breath of the driver.
The SUV in Friday's crash was a different vehicle, however.
The judge set bail at $25,000. Both occupants deny driving.
Top Police Officer arrested after DUI Accident
San Diego DUI attorney news
A former crusading state police commissioner who in 1996 called drunk drivers "fatalities waiting to happen" has been charged with a DUI after a minor accident in the Harrisburg suburbs.
Lower Paxton Township police said Paul Evanko was arrested Friday night.
Police said Evanko was driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.183 percent, which is more than twice the limit of 0.08 percent at which a driver is considered to be drunk. The state police would not comment on his drunk driving arrest - it can happen to anyone, right?
But DUI attorneys and Drunk Driving lawyers expressed hypocrisy, shock and dismay at the news of Evanko's DUI arrest.
A former crusading state police commissioner who in 1996 called drunk drivers "fatalities waiting to happen" has been charged with a DUI after a minor accident in the Harrisburg suburbs.
Lower Paxton Township police said Paul Evanko was arrested Friday night.
Police said Evanko was driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.183 percent, which is more than twice the limit of 0.08 percent at which a driver is considered to be drunk. The state police would not comment on his drunk driving arrest - it can happen to anyone, right?
But DUI attorneys and Drunk Driving lawyers expressed hypocrisy, shock and dismay at the news of Evanko's DUI arrest.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Fire Chief Busted for DUI / Child Cruelty
San Diego DUI lawyer
San Diego County dui attorney news
The Rincon Band fire chief has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI drunk driving and child cruelty.
Gerad F. Rodriguez, 47, an excellent fireman, was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer on Highway 76 just east of Pauma Valley Drive at 8:50 a.m. yesterday.
A DUI field sobriety test purports Rodriguez had a breath alcohol level allegedly above the .08 percent legal limit.
Rodriguez was reportedly booked into the Vista Detention Center at 2:30 p.m. Monday, and bail was set at $12,500. Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Rodriguez was allegedly driving an SUV owned by the fire department and was believed to have been driving with at least one child in the vehicle.
His San Diego California DUI criminal defense lawyer will likely enter a not guilty plea.
San Diego County dui attorney news
The Rincon Band fire chief has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI drunk driving and child cruelty.
Gerad F. Rodriguez, 47, an excellent fireman, was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer on Highway 76 just east of Pauma Valley Drive at 8:50 a.m. yesterday.
A DUI field sobriety test purports Rodriguez had a breath alcohol level allegedly above the .08 percent legal limit.
Rodriguez was reportedly booked into the Vista Detention Center at 2:30 p.m. Monday, and bail was set at $12,500. Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Rodriguez was allegedly driving an SUV owned by the fire department and was believed to have been driving with at least one child in the vehicle.
His San Diego California DUI criminal defense lawyer will likely enter a not guilty plea.
Mickey Rourke's DUI dropped because of faulty breath test machine?
DUI lawyer news
Mickey Rourke has been told that the machine that was used to breathalyse him last month was faulty.
The Sin City star was arrested when police spotted him swerving along the road on his Vespa scooter.
A breathalyser test revealed that he was just over the legal alcohol limit, but a later test with a different machine showed that Rourke was just under the limit.
Now Miami Beach police officials have confirmed that the results of the test were incorrect because the machine they had used was broken.
The DUI charges against Rourke have yet to be dropped by the District Attorney.
Mickey Rourke has been told that the machine that was used to breathalyse him last month was faulty.
The Sin City star was arrested when police spotted him swerving along the road on his Vespa scooter.
A breathalyser test revealed that he was just over the legal alcohol limit, but a later test with a different machine showed that Rourke was just under the limit.
Now Miami Beach police officials have confirmed that the results of the test were incorrect because the machine they had used was broken.
The DUI charges against Rourke have yet to be dropped by the District Attorney.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Big Brother fights DUI's central coast
Dozens of arrests for California DUi - driving under the influence this past weekend.
San Luis Obispo Police arrested 12 drivers from last Thursday through Sunday.
One of the arrests was the result of a crash on Higuera and Marsh Streets.
Police in Santa Barbara County made 30 arrests as part of the first "Avoid The 12" campaign crackdown on DUI drivers.
The coordinator says this is 21 percent below last year's total, at this time, of 38 arrests.
The CHP says nearly every available officer will be out patrolling Central Coast roadways over the holiday weekend.
San Diego DUI news by San Diego DUI lawyers
San Luis Obispo Police arrested 12 drivers from last Thursday through Sunday.
One of the arrests was the result of a crash on Higuera and Marsh Streets.
Police in Santa Barbara County made 30 arrests as part of the first "Avoid The 12" campaign crackdown on DUI drivers.
The coordinator says this is 21 percent below last year's total, at this time, of 38 arrests.
The CHP says nearly every available officer will be out patrolling Central Coast roadways over the holiday weekend.
San Diego DUI news by San Diego DUI lawyers
Murder for Drunk Driver who fled could face life sentence
DUI defense lawyer case
Dec. 17, 2007
A DUI / DWI / drunk driver who fled from police before being involved in a fatal collision has been convicted of first-degree murder, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced Sunday.
Arnold Barriente Jr., 25, could be sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole in 25 years or to life without parole.
He was convicted of DUI / DWI / drunk driving etc. in Maricopa County Superior Court on Wednesday.
After stealing two cases of beer from a Tolleson gas station in June 2006, Barriente fled the scene and ran a red light.
A police officer pursued Barriente for half of a mile before Barriente's vehicle collided with another.
Barriente had been driving with a suspended driver's license and a blood-alcohol level of 0.118.
The legal blood-alcohol concentration in Arizona is 0.08.
The driver of the other vehicle, Brian David Cook, 41, died.
Cook was a Tolleson High graduate and a former Marine.
The California Highway Patrol praised Cook, the father of three, in 2001 for saving the life of a motorist involved in a fiery crash.
Barriente was found guilty of first-degree murder, negligent homicide, endangerment, two counts of aggravated DUI, unlawful flight from a pursuing law-enforcement vehicle and shoplifting. His DUI / DWI sentencing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 15.
Dec. 17, 2007
A DUI / DWI / drunk driver who fled from police before being involved in a fatal collision has been convicted of first-degree murder, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced Sunday.
Arnold Barriente Jr., 25, could be sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole in 25 years or to life without parole.
He was convicted of DUI / DWI / drunk driving etc. in Maricopa County Superior Court on Wednesday.
After stealing two cases of beer from a Tolleson gas station in June 2006, Barriente fled the scene and ran a red light.
A police officer pursued Barriente for half of a mile before Barriente's vehicle collided with another.
Barriente had been driving with a suspended driver's license and a blood-alcohol level of 0.118.
The legal blood-alcohol concentration in Arizona is 0.08.
The driver of the other vehicle, Brian David Cook, 41, died.
Cook was a Tolleson High graduate and a former Marine.
The California Highway Patrol praised Cook, the father of three, in 2001 for saving the life of a motorist involved in a fiery crash.
Barriente was found guilty of first-degree murder, negligent homicide, endangerment, two counts of aggravated DUI, unlawful flight from a pursuing law-enforcement vehicle and shoplifting. His DUI / DWI sentencing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 15.
$3,000 DUI fine + 10 days jail for State Representative's Aggravated DUI
San Diego criminal defense attorney news
Rep. Trish Groe, R- Lake Havasu City, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and fined $2,950 for DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI driving under the influence at a hearing Monday afternoon in Parker.
In a DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI plea agreement, Gore pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI. She originally faced one felony count of aggravated DUI and a misdemeanor charge of false reporting to a police officer. She will serve her sentence in Maricopa County Jail.
Groe was arrested March 22 on suspicion of DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI in Parker.
The DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI case has taken many twists and turns since her arrest nearly nine months ago. Her DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI case started out in La Paz County, where she was arrested, then transferred to Yuma County prosecutors, who then sent it back after the La Paz County attorney criticized a proposed DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI plea deal in which Gore would have served one day in jail on a misdemeanor charge.
The La Paz County attorney then hired a DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI special prosecutor who worked out the DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI plea agreement.
Rep. Trish Groe, R- Lake Havasu City, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and fined $2,950 for DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI driving under the influence at a hearing Monday afternoon in Parker.
In a DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI plea agreement, Gore pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI. She originally faced one felony count of aggravated DUI and a misdemeanor charge of false reporting to a police officer. She will serve her sentence in Maricopa County Jail.
Groe was arrested March 22 on suspicion of DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI in Parker.
The DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI case has taken many twists and turns since her arrest nearly nine months ago. Her DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI case started out in La Paz County, where she was arrested, then transferred to Yuma County prosecutors, who then sent it back after the La Paz County attorney criticized a proposed DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI plea deal in which Gore would have served one day in jail on a misdemeanor charge.
The La Paz County attorney then hired a DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI special prosecutor who worked out the DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI plea agreement.
Casino couples die after head-on DUI in Pauma Valley
san diego dui lawyer news
SAN DIEGO DUI
Anthony J. Boles, 24, of Palm Springs, will be charged with possession of a controlled substance, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers said they found the unnamed substance "hidden in his sock."
Two married couples died Friday just before midnight after their car was hit head-on by Boles' sport utility vehicle, officials said. The four who died were close friends and had been out for dinner and gambling at the local casinos before the crash on state Route 76 near Pala.
Authorities said Boles' vehicle lost control of his 2005 GMC Yukon and crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting the couples' Toyota Camry head-on. Both cars caught fire and burned for 30 minutes, according to the CHP.
Jesus De Santiago, 45, and Lina De Santiago, 46, of Escondido, died at the scene, along with Rubi Baez, 46. Luis Baez, 51, died a few hours later at a local hospital. The Baezes lived in Vista.
Boles suffered multiple fractures. His female passenger, Deanna Fridley, 23, also of Palm Springs, was treated for fractures. Both occupants deny driving.
This is tragic as these couples were very good people. The victims' families should hire Premier Oceanside lawyer Thomas Grimes to help with their legal complications.
SAN DIEGO DUI
Anthony J. Boles, 24, of Palm Springs, will be charged with possession of a controlled substance, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers said they found the unnamed substance "hidden in his sock."
Two married couples died Friday just before midnight after their car was hit head-on by Boles' sport utility vehicle, officials said. The four who died were close friends and had been out for dinner and gambling at the local casinos before the crash on state Route 76 near Pala.
Authorities said Boles' vehicle lost control of his 2005 GMC Yukon and crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting the couples' Toyota Camry head-on. Both cars caught fire and burned for 30 minutes, according to the CHP.
Jesus De Santiago, 45, and Lina De Santiago, 46, of Escondido, died at the scene, along with Rubi Baez, 46. Luis Baez, 51, died a few hours later at a local hospital. The Baezes lived in Vista.
Boles suffered multiple fractures. His female passenger, Deanna Fridley, 23, also of Palm Springs, was treated for fractures. Both occupants deny driving.
This is tragic as these couples were very good people. The victims' families should hire Premier Oceanside lawyer Thomas Grimes to help with their legal complications.
15,000 Drivers stopped by Arizona Holiday DUI task force since Thanksgiving
DUI defense attorney news
Billboards saying don't drink and drive have been on display throughout Maricopa County for about a month, but there's no proof yet that they are working.
Still, County Attorney Andrew Thomas is hopeful.
``We had a campaign against the use of ecstasy and ecstasy use went down. We were the first to air psa's combatting the scourage of meth and it was shortly after our commercials began to air, that the rate of meth use among young people began to decline," Thomas said.
There is no holiday break for law enforcement officers in battling drunken driving. Since Thanksgiving, the holiday DUI task force has stopped more than 15,000 drivers. More than 1,200 were booked for DUI / DWI / driving drunk, another 400 for extreme DUI. Police have issued more than 5,000 tickets for other violations.
Billboards saying don't drink and drive have been on display throughout Maricopa County for about a month, but there's no proof yet that they are working.
Still, County Attorney Andrew Thomas is hopeful.
``We had a campaign against the use of ecstasy and ecstasy use went down. We were the first to air psa's combatting the scourage of meth and it was shortly after our commercials began to air, that the rate of meth use among young people began to decline," Thomas said.
There is no holiday break for law enforcement officers in battling drunken driving. Since Thanksgiving, the holiday DUI task force has stopped more than 15,000 drivers. More than 1,200 were booked for DUI / DWI / driving drunk, another 400 for extreme DUI. Police have issued more than 5,000 tickets for other violations.
San Diego DUI accident
San Diego DUI attorney
SAN DIEGO DUI criminal lawyer news
Six people were hurt Sunday night in Bay Park in a crash involving a limousine that turned in front of a suspected DUI drunk driver, San Diego DUI police said.
The limo was making a left turn from southbound Morena Boulevard onto Jellett Street just after 9 p.m. when the driver saw a 2004 Volkswagen Passat station wagon heading north toward them, DUI police said.
The 21-year-old limo driver told police he stopped part way through the turn believing the driver would go around. Instead, the Passat plowed into the front left side of the limo, said Sgt. Jeff Fellows.
The limo driver, as well as four of his six passengers, who were all men, were taken to the hospital. Two of them, ages 30 and 32, were treated for skull fractures, police said. The 37-year-old driver of the Passat, who was wearing a seat belt, was also hospitalized with serious internal injuries, DUI police said.
He will face either misdemeanor or felony suspicion of DUI drunk driving charges depending on who was at fault in the DUI crash, Fellows said.
None of the passengers in the limo was wearing seat belts, which are not required, Fellows said.
SAN DIEGO DUI criminal lawyer news
Six people were hurt Sunday night in Bay Park in a crash involving a limousine that turned in front of a suspected DUI drunk driver, San Diego DUI police said.
The limo was making a left turn from southbound Morena Boulevard onto Jellett Street just after 9 p.m. when the driver saw a 2004 Volkswagen Passat station wagon heading north toward them, DUI police said.
The 21-year-old limo driver told police he stopped part way through the turn believing the driver would go around. Instead, the Passat plowed into the front left side of the limo, said Sgt. Jeff Fellows.
The limo driver, as well as four of his six passengers, who were all men, were taken to the hospital. Two of them, ages 30 and 32, were treated for skull fractures, police said. The 37-year-old driver of the Passat, who was wearing a seat belt, was also hospitalized with serious internal injuries, DUI police said.
He will face either misdemeanor or felony suspicion of DUI drunk driving charges depending on who was at fault in the DUI crash, Fellows said.
None of the passengers in the limo was wearing seat belts, which are not required, Fellows said.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Fresno DUI enforcement report
San Diego drunk driving criminal defense lawyer - San Diego DUI attorney news
The Valley's law enforcement effort to crack down on California DUI's during the holidays is off to a strong start.
On Saturday night in Fresno, California DUI authorities arrested seven California drunk drivers and impounded 35 cars for vehicle violations.
An 18-year-old girl was arrested for California DUI drunk driving, drinking while driving and carrying alcohol inside the car.
The Valley's California DUI AVOID program kicked off on Friday.
California drunk driving Officers from 42 different agencies will be heavily patrolling Valley roadways now through the new year.
The Valley's law enforcement effort to crack down on California DUI's during the holidays is off to a strong start.
On Saturday night in Fresno, California DUI authorities arrested seven California drunk drivers and impounded 35 cars for vehicle violations.
An 18-year-old girl was arrested for California DUI drunk driving, drinking while driving and carrying alcohol inside the car.
The Valley's California DUI AVOID program kicked off on Friday.
California drunk driving Officers from 42 different agencies will be heavily patrolling Valley roadways now through the new year.
Vista, San Diego County California Checkpoint weekend results
San Diego DUI criminal defense lawyers update
VISTA, California
12 people were arrested for suspected San Diego DUI / drunk driving in a San Diego DUI / drunk driving checkpoint operation that concluded early Sunday in Vista.
The San Diego DUI / drunk driving operation began at 8 p.m. Saturday and ended at 2 a.m. Sunday in the 1000 block of East Vista Way, according to San Diego County sheriff's San Diego DUI / drunk driving officials.
In addition to the 12 San Diego DUI drunken driving arrests, one person was cited on a charge of driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol while being under the age of 21.
Forty-nine people were caught driving unlicensed.
A total of 61 vehicles were impounded for violations related to San Diego DUI / drunk driving and unlicensed motorists.
Other citations included: five people had suspended licenses, seven didn't have their license with them, 12 were driving without insurance, two had open containers of alcohol and one was cited for child safety seat violations. There were also 12 other miscellaneous traffic citations.
North County San Diego DUI lawyers are prepared to help:
VISTA, California
12 people were arrested for suspected San Diego DUI / drunk driving in a San Diego DUI / drunk driving checkpoint operation that concluded early Sunday in Vista.
The San Diego DUI / drunk driving operation began at 8 p.m. Saturday and ended at 2 a.m. Sunday in the 1000 block of East Vista Way, according to San Diego County sheriff's San Diego DUI / drunk driving officials.
In addition to the 12 San Diego DUI drunken driving arrests, one person was cited on a charge of driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol while being under the age of 21.
Forty-nine people were caught driving unlicensed.
A total of 61 vehicles were impounded for violations related to San Diego DUI / drunk driving and unlicensed motorists.
Other citations included: five people had suspended licenses, seven didn't have their license with them, 12 were driving without insurance, two had open containers of alcohol and one was cited for child safety seat violations. There were also 12 other miscellaneous traffic citations.
North County San Diego DUI lawyers are prepared to help:
North County San Diego DUI Lawyer
Become a CHP Officer so you can make San Diego DUI arrests
CTC II-07 Week 21) [Starting Cadets 189 : Remaining Cadets 152]
This week marked the grand re-opening of the fountain. The 34 cadets on the B-Company fountain drill detail practiced diligently to ensure this re-opening would be successful. They practiced with hope to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Another highlight this week was our first opportunity to get some real DUI practice during the wet lab. "Getting the chance to be a part of the wet lab was outstanding. I feel like I could go out and make a DUI arrest right now." (Cadet Loggins)
San Diego DUI criminal defense lawyers understand now why these cadets are so eager to make San Diego drunk driving arrests.
This week marked the grand re-opening of the fountain. The 34 cadets on the B-Company fountain drill detail practiced diligently to ensure this re-opening would be successful. They practiced with hope to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Another highlight this week was our first opportunity to get some real DUI practice during the wet lab. "Getting the chance to be a part of the wet lab was outstanding. I feel like I could go out and make a DUI arrest right now." (Cadet Loggins)
San Diego DUI criminal defense lawyers understand now why these cadets are so eager to make San Diego drunk driving arrests.
No charges for cop who shot San Diego Chargers linebacker after plea to San Diego DUI
SAN DIEGO DUI attorney news: The police officer who shot and wounded former San Diego Chargers linebacker Steve Foley in September 2006, ending his career, will not face charges. The San Diego district attorney's office said officer Aaron Mansker acted in self-defense. Mansker was off duty, out of uniform and driving his own car when he tailed Foley on suspicion that the player was driving drunk. Foley, who was unarmed, got out of the car at his home to confront Mansker, who responded by shooting him in the left leg, hip and hand. Foley's San Diego DUI lawyer entered a plea in May to San Dieg DUI - related charges. His San Diego DUI attorney may or may not have a statement in response to the DA's non-action.
Random DUI Breath Testing for 25 years in Australia!
San Diego DUI Criminal Defense Attorney update:
It's 25 years since RBT random breath testing was introduced in NSW, but too many drivers are still flouting the drink-drive laws, police say.
Monday marks the 25th anniversary of the first driver randomly pulled over and tested for alcohol, but 120 people still die on the state's roads every year after getting behind the wheel drunk.
NSW Police Minister David Campbell said random breath testing (RBT) had saved up to 20,000 lives since being introduced on December 17, 1982.
"As a 25-year-old at the time (1982) I can remember thinking `Why are people doing this to us?'" Mr Campbell told reporters in Sydney.
"But now, as someone who's seen ... the wisdom of that move, I think our community can be grateful that George Paciullo and others had the determination to make sure that those laws and that technology was put in place."
Mr Paciullo, a former police minister, was the inaugural chairman of the NSW Staysafe Parliamentary Road Safety Committee who pushed for random testing in 1982 despite strong opposition.
Today, he said he felt "totally vindicated".
"It's 25 years later, it's 57.6 million breath tests later (and) we have a completely different attitude to drink driving than we had in 1982," Mr Paciullo said.
Traffic Services Commander John Hartley said despite the fact breath testing had saved lives, too many people were still taking unnecessary risks.
"The fact is more than 25,000 drivers each year are still caught (drink-driving), that's 80 people per day in this state," Supt Hartley told reporters.
He said 120 people died each year because of drink-driving.
He warned drivers police would be targeting speeding, seat belts, fatigue and drink-driving over the festive season.
To mark the 25-year anniversary, the government also unveiled the next generation of breath testing equipment today.
The Lion Intoxilyzer 8000 would be installed in 260 police stations across the state to speed up the processing of "evidentiary" breath tests, Mr Campbell said.
Evidentiary tests occur at police stations after a driver blows an initial reading which is over the legal limit during a random test.
But the 8000's have problems:
The machines cannot discriminate between ethanol and other organic
compounds (the "low molecular weight" comment is utter nonsense).
Instead of fixing the machines, they REDEFINED alcohol. Does any
statute define alcohol this way?
Conspicuously MISSING in a key NHTSA study is the ability to discriminate
between these "low molecular weight alcohols" and the other organic
compounds that may appear in a human breath.
Scientifically, confirming that a machine will measure alcohol is
only half of the science. The other half is to show that it does not
produce "false positives" for compounds that are NOT ethanol. It
looks like they made an attempt for one compound, Acetone, at two
concentrations. No REAL scientist would ever attempt to publish this
in any peer-reviewed publication as anything approaching REAL science.
Also note that the power source is EITHER batteries, or the AC power
source (Section 2.2 on page 8). This means that attaching it
to the cigarette lighter, or to the power in a vehicle that is
running, is INVALID.
And they will try to put the 8000's in the trunks of the cop cars.
End of San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer news
It's 25 years since RBT random breath testing was introduced in NSW, but too many drivers are still flouting the drink-drive laws, police say.
Monday marks the 25th anniversary of the first driver randomly pulled over and tested for alcohol, but 120 people still die on the state's roads every year after getting behind the wheel drunk.
NSW Police Minister David Campbell said random breath testing (RBT) had saved up to 20,000 lives since being introduced on December 17, 1982.
"As a 25-year-old at the time (1982) I can remember thinking `Why are people doing this to us?'" Mr Campbell told reporters in Sydney.
"But now, as someone who's seen ... the wisdom of that move, I think our community can be grateful that George Paciullo and others had the determination to make sure that those laws and that technology was put in place."
Mr Paciullo, a former police minister, was the inaugural chairman of the NSW Staysafe Parliamentary Road Safety Committee who pushed for random testing in 1982 despite strong opposition.
Today, he said he felt "totally vindicated".
"It's 25 years later, it's 57.6 million breath tests later (and) we have a completely different attitude to drink driving than we had in 1982," Mr Paciullo said.
Traffic Services Commander John Hartley said despite the fact breath testing had saved lives, too many people were still taking unnecessary risks.
"The fact is more than 25,000 drivers each year are still caught (drink-driving), that's 80 people per day in this state," Supt Hartley told reporters.
He said 120 people died each year because of drink-driving.
He warned drivers police would be targeting speeding, seat belts, fatigue and drink-driving over the festive season.
To mark the 25-year anniversary, the government also unveiled the next generation of breath testing equipment today.
The Lion Intoxilyzer 8000 would be installed in 260 police stations across the state to speed up the processing of "evidentiary" breath tests, Mr Campbell said.
Evidentiary tests occur at police stations after a driver blows an initial reading which is over the legal limit during a random test.
But the 8000's have problems:
The machines cannot discriminate between ethanol and other organic
compounds (the "low molecular weight" comment is utter nonsense).
Instead of fixing the machines, they REDEFINED alcohol. Does any
statute define alcohol this way?
Conspicuously MISSING in a key NHTSA study is the ability to discriminate
between these "low molecular weight alcohols" and the other organic
compounds that may appear in a human breath.
Scientifically, confirming that a machine will measure alcohol is
only half of the science. The other half is to show that it does not
produce "false positives" for compounds that are NOT ethanol. It
looks like they made an attempt for one compound, Acetone, at two
concentrations. No REAL scientist would ever attempt to publish this
in any peer-reviewed publication as anything approaching REAL science.
Also note that the power source is EITHER batteries, or the AC power
source (Section 2.2 on page 8). This means that attaching it
to the cigarette lighter, or to the power in a vehicle that is
running, is INVALID.
And they will try to put the 8000's in the trunks of the cop cars.
End of San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer news
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Fire Chief Busted for DUI / Drunk Driving
San Diego DUI attorney news
A fire chief in Penobscot County has been charged with being drunk behind the wheel while driving a fire truck with its lights on and its sirens going.
more stories like thisRussell Banks of Burlington was arrested around midnight Saturday after a resident complained that Banks was racing a fire tanker by his home even though there was no fire in the area.
The 34-year-old Banks is chief of the Triangle Fire Department, a volunteer association that provides service for Burlington, Lowell and Grand Falls Township.
When a Penobscot County sheriff's deputy responded, he located the truck and noticed that Banks smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. A blood alcohol test showed Banks was at twice the legal limit.
Deputy Chief Troy Morton said the resident told police that Banks was blasting his siren in retaliation for a neighborhood dispute.
A fire chief in Penobscot County has been charged with being drunk behind the wheel while driving a fire truck with its lights on and its sirens going.
more stories like thisRussell Banks of Burlington was arrested around midnight Saturday after a resident complained that Banks was racing a fire tanker by his home even though there was no fire in the area.
The 34-year-old Banks is chief of the Triangle Fire Department, a volunteer association that provides service for Burlington, Lowell and Grand Falls Township.
When a Penobscot County sheriff's deputy responded, he located the truck and noticed that Banks smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. A blood alcohol test showed Banks was at twice the legal limit.
Deputy Chief Troy Morton said the resident told police that Banks was blasting his siren in retaliation for a neighborhood dispute.
4 years successfully argued by San Diego criminal defense attorney for DUI manslaughter
San Diego DUI news
A man who drove drunk and slammed into another vehicle at a Mira Mesa stoplight, killing a woman and seriously injuring two men, was sentenced Friday to four years in state prison and will be deported once he gets out.
Homer Namoca, 39, who is originally from the Philippines, pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the death of 40-year-old Jenily Mendoza.
Namoca, who worked two jobs, had a day off from one job Aug. 21 and had been home drinking. He fell asleep, then got in his SUV and rushed to work around midnight to go his second job as a security guard, said prosecutor George Modlin.
According to police, Namoca's Toyota Highlander crashed -- at around 50 mph and apparently without braking -- into the rear of a Toyota RAV4 stopped at a stoplight at Mira Mesa Boulevard and Camino Ruiz.
Mendoza was sitting in the backseat.
Two men in the RAV4, Francis Barangan and Ricky Periarce, were seriously injured.
Namoca's blood-alcohol level was 0.15 percent two hours after the crash, almost twice the legal limit, authorities said.
The defendant faced up to 10 years behind bars, but San Diego criminal defense attorney Domenic Lombardo successfully argued for a four-year term.
This fine San Diego criminal defense lawyer told Judge Stephanie Sontag that Namoca was a hard-working family man from the Philippines with no prior record who emigrated to the U.S. after a 22-year wait.
Because of his citizenship status, however, Namoca will be deported once he is finished serving his sentence, San Diego criminal defense attorney Lombardo said.
The San Diego criminal defense attorney said Namoca had just gotten his driver's license, hadn't driven before and didn't see the victims' car stopped at a stoplight.
Namoca, a father of three, wept uncontrollably throughout the hearing.
"I'm very, very sorry for what I have done," he said. "I don't want to hurt anybody."
Speaking to the victims and their families, Namoca said, "I will not forget the things I have done. I am so sorry."
The judge sympathized with the victims, who wanted Namoca to get the maximum 10 years behind bars.
Sontag said the crash was not an intentional act, but Namoca drank and got into a car and drove, and that was intentional.
"The fact is you were a sitting duck. There was nothing you could do," the judge told the surviving victims.
Sontag said the four-year sentence was appropriate because of the suffering Namoca will endure in prison and the fact that he will returned to the Philippines once he gets out.
San Diego DUI / Drunk Driving / criminal defense lawyer Lombardo should be applauded.
A man who drove drunk and slammed into another vehicle at a Mira Mesa stoplight, killing a woman and seriously injuring two men, was sentenced Friday to four years in state prison and will be deported once he gets out.
Homer Namoca, 39, who is originally from the Philippines, pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the death of 40-year-old Jenily Mendoza.
Namoca, who worked two jobs, had a day off from one job Aug. 21 and had been home drinking. He fell asleep, then got in his SUV and rushed to work around midnight to go his second job as a security guard, said prosecutor George Modlin.
According to police, Namoca's Toyota Highlander crashed -- at around 50 mph and apparently without braking -- into the rear of a Toyota RAV4 stopped at a stoplight at Mira Mesa Boulevard and Camino Ruiz.
Mendoza was sitting in the backseat.
Two men in the RAV4, Francis Barangan and Ricky Periarce, were seriously injured.
Namoca's blood-alcohol level was 0.15 percent two hours after the crash, almost twice the legal limit, authorities said.
The defendant faced up to 10 years behind bars, but San Diego criminal defense attorney Domenic Lombardo successfully argued for a four-year term.
This fine San Diego criminal defense lawyer told Judge Stephanie Sontag that Namoca was a hard-working family man from the Philippines with no prior record who emigrated to the U.S. after a 22-year wait.
Because of his citizenship status, however, Namoca will be deported once he is finished serving his sentence, San Diego criminal defense attorney Lombardo said.
The San Diego criminal defense attorney said Namoca had just gotten his driver's license, hadn't driven before and didn't see the victims' car stopped at a stoplight.
Namoca, a father of three, wept uncontrollably throughout the hearing.
"I'm very, very sorry for what I have done," he said. "I don't want to hurt anybody."
Speaking to the victims and their families, Namoca said, "I will not forget the things I have done. I am so sorry."
The judge sympathized with the victims, who wanted Namoca to get the maximum 10 years behind bars.
Sontag said the crash was not an intentional act, but Namoca drank and got into a car and drove, and that was intentional.
"The fact is you were a sitting duck. There was nothing you could do," the judge told the surviving victims.
Sontag said the four-year sentence was appropriate because of the suffering Namoca will endure in prison and the fact that he will returned to the Philippines once he gets out.
San Diego DUI / Drunk Driving / criminal defense lawyer Lombardo should be applauded.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Auto Club & US Navy have San Diego DUI tips
San Diego DUI criminal defense attorney news - in and around San Diego California
Tipsy from head to tow: Auto Club offers San Diego drunk driving service for New Year's Eve
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Automobile Club of Southern California is offering its free Tipsy Tow service to drivers drinking on New Year's Eve. The service is available starting Dec. 30 from 6 p.m. until midnight on the night of Jan. 1. Tipsy Tow is available in San Diego County and throughout the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club.
Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow home of up to seven miles. Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, "I need a Tipsy Tow," to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular Auto Club-contracted emergency road service truck will be dispatched.
Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and vehicle, and the destination is limited to the driver's residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for rides farther than seven miles.
"We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays and encourage them to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking," said Jill Clark, the Auto Club's San Diego district manager.
According to the Auto Club, New Year's Eve is a traditional time parties and revelry, activities that contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere. It is also a time when people increase their use of alcohol.
"It takes only one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking, judgement and reaction time," Clark said. "We hope drivers are aware that the CHP and law enforcement agencies are likely to be using extra patrols to look for drinking drivers during holidays."
While the number of Californians arrested for driving under the influence is far lower than it was 20 years ago, it is still disturbingly high, according to Clark. "We'd like to see these numbers reduced even further, particularly the high numbers during the holidays," added Clark.
Drinking drivers frequently don't plan for other ways to get home because they are concerned about retrieving their vehicle. They cite the expense of taxis and time inconvenience as the major reasons they don't use alternative transportation, according to the Auto Club. Tipsy Tow provides motorists with a safe ride home for themselves and their vehicles instead of driving while intoxicated.
People convicted of driving under the influence could lose many of the most important things in their lives, such as family, job, dignity and money. The Auto Club estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost about $13,500 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and insurance costs.
Current laws, enforcement, public awareness and education efforts by public service-oriented organizations, including the Auto Club, have contributed to the decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities and injuries for the past 10 years. The Auto Club provides the Tipsy Tow service and free publications as part of its "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." public awareness campaign.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
The Auto Club advises motorists to keep themselves and others safe and avoid DUI arrests by following these safety tips:
- At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.
- Call a friend of family member for a ride if you have been drinking.
- Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.
- As a party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.
- Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.
Holiday Safety
Friday, December 14, 2007
By Commander, Navy Region Southwest Rear Adm. Len Hering
The holidays are a busy time in San Diego, and this year is no exception
with various celebrations all over the city. With so many events happening throughout the season, I want to take time out to stress the importance of holiday safety.
One of the first tools we all can use to reduce accidents is Operational Risk Management (ORM). We apply it everyday on the job. I want you all to think about applying that same standard of safety during the holiday season.
Holidays are a peak time for travel, and every year we lose incredible folks just because they did not apply the same standards of risk management in their personal lives as they do at work.
There are so many things you do during the holiday season you don't normally do like participating in sports and traveling long distances.
We want to make absolute certain your holiday season is a joyous one and not a regretful one.
Whether you're traveling as far as the east coast or over to Qualcomm Stadium to see the Naval Academy hand it to Utah, driving safety is important. The Navy football team had a superb season this year and it should be an exciting match up with the Utes.
Not only is the Academy going head-to-head with Utah in the bowl game, but they're taking on San Diego State University in basketball as well.
Even if you're not Navy, I encourage you to go out and take advantage of these unique opportunities around town.
December is drunk and drugged driving awareness month. I can't say it enough how big of a decision it is to get behind the wheel of a car after you've been drinking. Be a good shipmate and make sure that anyone who considers doing this finds a different means to make it home. I want everyone to make it home safe this holiday season.
Another thing to remain aware of during the holidays is the health and well being of our fellow Sailors. As a Navy family, we are all responsible for our shipmates and their overall wellness.
Service members are at a higher risk for suicide due to deployments and increased stressors such as relationship, legal and work related problems. Some of these stressors become increased during this time of year.
Suicide prevention requires everyone to be alert for risk factors and know how to respond.
There are various avenues available for us to gain knowledge of suicide prevention. CNRSW Fleet and Family Support Center is a great resource for Sailors and their leaders to learn more about suicide prevention.
Get to know your Sailors. Use ACT; Ask questions, Care for and listen to the Sailor and Treat the condition.
Enjoy the holidays and all the celebrations. Do it safely, keep those around you safe, and remember it takes everyone from the admiral to the
seaman to stay out of harm's way.
Tipsy from head to tow: Auto Club offers San Diego drunk driving service for New Year's Eve
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Automobile Club of Southern California is offering its free Tipsy Tow service to drivers drinking on New Year's Eve. The service is available starting Dec. 30 from 6 p.m. until midnight on the night of Jan. 1. Tipsy Tow is available in San Diego County and throughout the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club.
Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow home of up to seven miles. Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, "I need a Tipsy Tow," to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular Auto Club-contracted emergency road service truck will be dispatched.
Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and vehicle, and the destination is limited to the driver's residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for rides farther than seven miles.
"We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays and encourage them to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking," said Jill Clark, the Auto Club's San Diego district manager.
According to the Auto Club, New Year's Eve is a traditional time parties and revelry, activities that contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere. It is also a time when people increase their use of alcohol.
"It takes only one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking, judgement and reaction time," Clark said. "We hope drivers are aware that the CHP and law enforcement agencies are likely to be using extra patrols to look for drinking drivers during holidays."
While the number of Californians arrested for driving under the influence is far lower than it was 20 years ago, it is still disturbingly high, according to Clark. "We'd like to see these numbers reduced even further, particularly the high numbers during the holidays," added Clark.
Drinking drivers frequently don't plan for other ways to get home because they are concerned about retrieving their vehicle. They cite the expense of taxis and time inconvenience as the major reasons they don't use alternative transportation, according to the Auto Club. Tipsy Tow provides motorists with a safe ride home for themselves and their vehicles instead of driving while intoxicated.
People convicted of driving under the influence could lose many of the most important things in their lives, such as family, job, dignity and money. The Auto Club estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost about $13,500 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and insurance costs.
Current laws, enforcement, public awareness and education efforts by public service-oriented organizations, including the Auto Club, have contributed to the decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities and injuries for the past 10 years. The Auto Club provides the Tipsy Tow service and free publications as part of its "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." public awareness campaign.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
The Auto Club advises motorists to keep themselves and others safe and avoid DUI arrests by following these safety tips:
- At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.
- Call a friend of family member for a ride if you have been drinking.
- Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.
- As a party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.
- Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.
Holiday Safety
Friday, December 14, 2007
By Commander, Navy Region Southwest Rear Adm. Len Hering
The holidays are a busy time in San Diego, and this year is no exception
with various celebrations all over the city. With so many events happening throughout the season, I want to take time out to stress the importance of holiday safety.
One of the first tools we all can use to reduce accidents is Operational Risk Management (ORM). We apply it everyday on the job. I want you all to think about applying that same standard of safety during the holiday season.
Holidays are a peak time for travel, and every year we lose incredible folks just because they did not apply the same standards of risk management in their personal lives as they do at work.
There are so many things you do during the holiday season you don't normally do like participating in sports and traveling long distances.
We want to make absolute certain your holiday season is a joyous one and not a regretful one.
Whether you're traveling as far as the east coast or over to Qualcomm Stadium to see the Naval Academy hand it to Utah, driving safety is important. The Navy football team had a superb season this year and it should be an exciting match up with the Utes.
Not only is the Academy going head-to-head with Utah in the bowl game, but they're taking on San Diego State University in basketball as well.
Even if you're not Navy, I encourage you to go out and take advantage of these unique opportunities around town.
December is drunk and drugged driving awareness month. I can't say it enough how big of a decision it is to get behind the wheel of a car after you've been drinking. Be a good shipmate and make sure that anyone who considers doing this finds a different means to make it home. I want everyone to make it home safe this holiday season.
Another thing to remain aware of during the holidays is the health and well being of our fellow Sailors. As a Navy family, we are all responsible for our shipmates and their overall wellness.
Service members are at a higher risk for suicide due to deployments and increased stressors such as relationship, legal and work related problems. Some of these stressors become increased during this time of year.
Suicide prevention requires everyone to be alert for risk factors and know how to respond.
There are various avenues available for us to gain knowledge of suicide prevention. CNRSW Fleet and Family Support Center is a great resource for Sailors and their leaders to learn more about suicide prevention.
Get to know your Sailors. Use ACT; Ask questions, Care for and listen to the Sailor and Treat the condition.
Enjoy the holidays and all the celebrations. Do it safely, keep those around you safe, and remember it takes everyone from the admiral to the
seaman to stay out of harm's way.
11 years prison for San Diego man who killed 9 year old son
San Diego DUI lawyer news
A Linda Vista man convicted of San Diego DUI drunk driving and fleeing the site of a freeway crash that killed his 9 year-old son was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison.
Marcos Muñoz, 33, pleaded guilty last month to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony child abuse in connection with the death of his son, Alex.
San Diego Superior Court Judge David Danielsen sentenced Muñoz according to a San Diego DUI plea bargain reached between San Diego DUI defense lawyer and San Diego DUI prosecuting attorney in the case.
Prosecutors said Muñoz was driving on Interstate 8 near Texas Street on July 14 when he crashed into a car parked on the shoulder around 1:40 a.m. Alex was in the passenger seat and died as a result of the impact.
A witness saw a man running from the area shortly after the crash. Later, police saw a white pickup circling a nearby parking lot.
Police saw the same truck later that day near the family's apartment and contacted the men inside. Muñoz, the passenger, had minor injuries and glass in his hair and clothes, prosecutors said.
The driver, Raul Muñoz Sanchez, 32, pleaded guilty to felony accessory after the fact and San Diego DUI drunken driving. He also admitted he had a prior drunken-driving conviction from 2004.
Muñoz Sanchez was sentenced Thursday to a year in jail, after which he will be placed on five years' probation.
Deputy District Attorney Melissa Vasel has said that two men are brothers, both of whom worked in construction.
She said Marcos Muñoz's blood-alcohol content was 0.11 percent about three hours after the collision. Raul Muñoz Sanchez's blood-alcohol content was 0.15 after his San Diego DUI arrest.
A Linda Vista man convicted of San Diego DUI drunk driving and fleeing the site of a freeway crash that killed his 9 year-old son was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison.
Marcos Muñoz, 33, pleaded guilty last month to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony child abuse in connection with the death of his son, Alex.
San Diego Superior Court Judge David Danielsen sentenced Muñoz according to a San Diego DUI plea bargain reached between San Diego DUI defense lawyer and San Diego DUI prosecuting attorney in the case.
Prosecutors said Muñoz was driving on Interstate 8 near Texas Street on July 14 when he crashed into a car parked on the shoulder around 1:40 a.m. Alex was in the passenger seat and died as a result of the impact.
A witness saw a man running from the area shortly after the crash. Later, police saw a white pickup circling a nearby parking lot.
Police saw the same truck later that day near the family's apartment and contacted the men inside. Muñoz, the passenger, had minor injuries and glass in his hair and clothes, prosecutors said.
The driver, Raul Muñoz Sanchez, 32, pleaded guilty to felony accessory after the fact and San Diego DUI drunken driving. He also admitted he had a prior drunken-driving conviction from 2004.
Muñoz Sanchez was sentenced Thursday to a year in jail, after which he will be placed on five years' probation.
Deputy District Attorney Melissa Vasel has said that two men are brothers, both of whom worked in construction.
She said Marcos Muñoz's blood-alcohol content was 0.11 percent about three hours after the collision. Raul Muñoz Sanchez's blood-alcohol content was 0.15 after his San Diego DUI arrest.
DUI, eh?
San Diego DUI attorney news
Sid Sorenson is not entirely happy with a recent provincial government directive urging Crown prosecutors to apply for forfeiture of the vehicles of repeat drunk drivers.
“I don’t think it’s enough,” the Prince Albert resident said.
“Incarceration, I believe, would scare people.”
Sorenson’s 15-year-old daughter Kimberley was killed July 28, 2002 after the car in which she was riding was hit by a female drunk driver who, said Sorenson, was a repeat drunk-driving offender.
The woman was sentenced to two and a half years. She served 51 days, and then went to a sweat lodge.
“Two and a half years is a holiday for taking a life,” said Sorenson, adding he would like to see the current legislation more strictly enforced.
“This was the perfect case for a stiff, hard sentence.”
The directive urges Crown prosecutors to proceed by way of indictment, and on conviction apply for forfeiture of the vehicle, where the Criminal Code of Canada permits in the following circumstances:
•if the offender has two or more convictions for impaired driving within two years of the date of the current offense
•if the offender does not have a previous impaired driving conviction within two years of the date of the current offense but has three or more impaired driving convictions within four years; or
•if the offender has a prior conviction for impaired driving within two years of the date of the current offence plus two or more impaired driving convictions within four years.
Justice Minister Don Morgan said what he heard on the campaign trail this fall provided incentive for the move.
“We had a number of people who had lost a family member or a friend through impaired driving,” said Morgan.
Morgan said seized vehicles would be sold and, although a decision has not yet been made where the money would go, “we would want to target (the money) towards victims or education programs.”
Morgan called the initiative “one more tool” for police and Crown prosecutors to use to help stop repeat drunk drivers.
“We’re hoping that the threat of (forfeiture) will be sufficient (to stop people).”
Prince Albert Northcote MLA Darcy Furber said he supports laws designed to cut down on the frequency of drinking and driving but would like to see treatment made more available for those with multiple offences.
Sid Sorenson is not entirely happy with a recent provincial government directive urging Crown prosecutors to apply for forfeiture of the vehicles of repeat drunk drivers.
“I don’t think it’s enough,” the Prince Albert resident said.
“Incarceration, I believe, would scare people.”
Sorenson’s 15-year-old daughter Kimberley was killed July 28, 2002 after the car in which she was riding was hit by a female drunk driver who, said Sorenson, was a repeat drunk-driving offender.
The woman was sentenced to two and a half years. She served 51 days, and then went to a sweat lodge.
“Two and a half years is a holiday for taking a life,” said Sorenson, adding he would like to see the current legislation more strictly enforced.
“This was the perfect case for a stiff, hard sentence.”
The directive urges Crown prosecutors to proceed by way of indictment, and on conviction apply for forfeiture of the vehicle, where the Criminal Code of Canada permits in the following circumstances:
•if the offender has two or more convictions for impaired driving within two years of the date of the current offense
•if the offender does not have a previous impaired driving conviction within two years of the date of the current offense but has three or more impaired driving convictions within four years; or
•if the offender has a prior conviction for impaired driving within two years of the date of the current offence plus two or more impaired driving convictions within four years.
Justice Minister Don Morgan said what he heard on the campaign trail this fall provided incentive for the move.
“We had a number of people who had lost a family member or a friend through impaired driving,” said Morgan.
Morgan said seized vehicles would be sold and, although a decision has not yet been made where the money would go, “we would want to target (the money) towards victims or education programs.”
Morgan called the initiative “one more tool” for police and Crown prosecutors to use to help stop repeat drunk drivers.
“We’re hoping that the threat of (forfeiture) will be sufficient (to stop people).”
Prince Albert Northcote MLA Darcy Furber said he supports laws designed to cut down on the frequency of drinking and driving but would like to see treatment made more available for those with multiple offences.
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