Between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Friday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested 542 suspected drunk drivers in California - 29 more arrests than in 2008. In keeping with the statewide trend, arrest numbers were also up in San Diego County. This year, the CHP made 36 arrests of suspected drunk drivers, compared to 32 arrests last year. The Highway Patrol reported 12 fatalities across the state, including a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident in San Diego on Wednesday night. Fifteen fatalities were reported for the same period last year.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law in California, under California Vehicle Code Sections 23152 - 23229.1 Penalties for a first-time DUI Arrest include jail time from 96 hours to 6 months, a fine from $390 to $1,000 and a licenses suspension for up to 6 months. Additionally drivers must complete a driving under the influence program and may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID), a device similar to a breathalyzer that is connected to the vehicle and requires a driver to breathe into the device before starting the vehicle. The vehicle will not start if the driver's blood alcohol concentration is above the programmed limit.
Last year in California, 35% of all fatal vehicle accidents were alcohol related. In addition to criminal charges, those injured in drunk driving injury accidents and family members of those killed in fatal accidents may hold the drunk driver civilly liable through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. For more information or if you would like a free consultation, contact the San Diego personal injury lawyers at Estey & Bomberger, LLP.
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