2007 December DUI Crackdown - Grantee Information
Press Room
California’s 2007 DUI Enforcement Crackdown
Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are killed by drunk drivers each year?
In California, 1,574 people were killed and another 30,810
injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2005. This represents
an almost eight percent increase in fatalities from 2004 in which
1,462 people were killed.
How many people are arrested for DUI each year?
In 2005, 182,414 people were arrested in California for
driving under the influence, down slightly from 182,771 arrests in
2004.
What day of the week are drunk driving fatalities most likely
to occur?
Of the 1,574 people killed in alcohol involved crashes
in California in 2005, 998 fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday or
Sunday, representing approximately 63 percent. Of the 30,810 people
injured in alcohol involved crashes the same year, approximately 61
percent occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
How do I know if a driver is driving drunk or just a bad driver?
There are a variety of clues that might indicate a drunk
driver, including: turning wide, almost striking another vehicle,
weaving, swerving or turning abruptly, following too closely, erratic
breaking and driving with headlights off.
How can the public report a drunk driver?
Call 911 from your cell phone.
What happens when someone calls 911 to report a suspected drunk
driver in California?
The 911 dispatcher will ask for the exact location of
the vehicle, a vehicle description (make, model, color), as well as
the license plate number. That information will then be relayed
to officers in the field.
Do I have to give my name if I call to report a suspected drunk
driver?
No. You can remain anonymous.
If I see a drunk driver, should I try and stop the car or talk
to the driver?
No. Leave that to trained professionals. Don’t try
to stop or follow the vehicle or detain the drunk driver if they stop.
What are sobriety checkpoints?
At sobriety checkpoints, law enforcement officials evaluate
drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at certain points
on the roadway. Vehicles are stopped in a specific sequence,
such as every other vehicle or every fourth, fifth or sixth vehicle.
Are sobriety checkpoints legal?
In 1990, the U.S, Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality
of sobriety checkpoints in Michigan v. Sitz. The court ruled
that the interest in reducing the incidence of impaired driving was
sufficient to justify the brief intrusion caused by a properly conducted
sobriety checkpoint.
Will sobriety checkpoints be taking place in my area around
the holidays?
Yes. More than 450 police and sheriff’s departments in 35
counties, including numerous CHP area commands, will be conducting sobriety
checkpoints in California.
What are saturation patrols?
Saturation patrols, which are legal in all 50 states,
are concentrated enforcement efforts that target impaired drivers
by observing moving violations such as drunk driving, speeding and
aggressive driving.
What does a DUI cost?
A DUI in California can cost anywhere between $5,200
to $10,000, including vehicle towing and storage, increases in auto
insurance premiums, fines, court assessments, DUI classes, attorneys
fees and more.