Drunk Driving Campaigns Are Not Working

The latest news reports released after the New Year celebrations reveal something that disturbs me.  They’re saying that fatal crashes due to drunk driving have increased. 

 

So, although DUI arrests increased from last year (1,252 DUI arrests during the New Year’s period compared to 986 last year), which is supposed to be a good thing, I think.  I don’t mean to sound cynical, but to me these numbers indicate that people are NOT paying attention to public service announcements or TV campaigns warning them of the consequences of drunk driving.

 

Ignition Interlock Devices Mandatory For Repeat DUI Offenders

In 2008 a poll conducted by AAA found that 80% of American supported the idea of requiring drunk driving offenders to have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles.  

An ignition interlock is a device that is installed in a vehicle.  If a DUI offender has to drive, he/she provides a breath sample by blowing into the device. The car will not start if the IID detects alcohol on the breath.

Law Enforcement Gets Grant to Step Up DUI Enforcement on Highway 76

KPBS reports that a law enforcement agency in San Diego’s north county is getting a grant to step up DUI enforcement along State Route 76.  The highway has seen 13 deaths and 303 injuries related to DUI’s on the road in the past three years.

California Highway 76 begins in Downtown Oceanside and runs east approximately 52 miles to a junction with California Highway 79 near Lake Henshaw.  It is only a two-lane highway, which may be another reason why there are so many accidents – and not just DUI accidents.  Accidents on 76 was such a common occurrence that the Californai Department of Transportation had to produce this video.

Felony DUI Penalties in San Diego

A DUI is considered a felony when a drunk driver causes injury to another driver or passenger.  Being charged with a felony DUI in San Diego is considered a misdemeanor charge and it’s likely that it will go on your criminal record.    You could also be charged for a felony DUI if you’ve had 3 or more DUI convictions within the past 7 years. 

In the county of San Diego there is a ten-year “washout” period.  What this means is that if you’ve had a previous felony DUI conviction within the past 10 years, the current drunk driving charge can be viewed as a felony DUI.  For example, if you were charged for a felony DUI on June 18, 1996 and you are guilty again of DUI on June 15, 2006, you could be charged with a felony DUI.  

Here is a list of possible penalties for a felony DUI in San Diego:

• Jail sentence of 6 months - 1 year

• Mandatory minimum term of incarceration:  48 consecutive hours, or 10 days of community service

• Fines from $390 – $1,000

• 4-year license revocation

• Vehicle may be impounded for six months and you could be required to have an ignition interlock device put on your car up to three years

• Alcohol or drug program for 18-36 months if you haven’t already attended one

Photo Credit:  Patrick Fitzgerald

What Are the Penalties For a San Diego DUI?

One of the first questions that goes through a person’s mind when they’re charged with a San Diego DUI is: What are the penalties?

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