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DUI FACTS

  

·      In 1997, a total of 31,189 people were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes in California - this equates to approximately 86 people per day. These injuries constitute approximately 10.94% of the total 284,871 traffic injuries in California. (California Highway Patrol, 1998)

·      In 1997, a total of 1,100 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes in California - this equates to 3 people per day. These deaths constitute approximately 29.96% of the total 3,671 traffic fatalities in California. (California Highway Patrol, 1998)

·      If you are driving under the influence with a child in the car you can be charged with "child endangerment" which is a felony.

 

·      It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, or to drink while in a vehicle - even if the car is parked.

·      It is illegal to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol (or any other drug)

·      It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol (or any other drug).

·      Alcohol is alcohol. Whether a 12 oz. beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine or a shot of hard liquor, all contain the same amount of alcohol and each causes the body to reach the same level of intoxication just as quickly.

·      Time is the only thing that will allow the body to metabolize the alcohol and allow the drinker to become unimpaired. Coffee won't sober you up! In fact, certain tests have shown that there may even be negative effects by mixing alcohol (a depressant) with caffeine (a stimulant).

·      The effects of alcohol may be increased if you're tired or hungry, if you have certain health problems, you're taking medication or if you're experiencing heightened emotions.

·      Don't drive after drinking or using other drugs (legal or illegal)! This is the safest message of all and the only way to be sure that you are not under the influence.

·      Your car may be impounded for up to 90 days at your own expense, or even sold with the proceeds going to the city or county.

·      Your penalty will be increased by 60 additional days in jail if while driving under the influence you were also driving recklessly or at a high rate of speed.

You don't have to be "drunk" to be dangerous behind the wheel. Impairment begins with the very first drink. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the brain immediately upon consumption. If you plan to drink, always use a Designated Driver. The Designated Driver is the one person in a party of two or more who remains sober and agrees to drive the others home safely. The Designated Driver is not the person who has consumed the least amount of alcohol or who is the "least drunk."