Murrieta plans DUI/Drivers checkpoint for Saturday

Every year, more than 10,322 people are killed by drunk drivers in America, with 802 of those in California alone.  In California, an additional 24,000 are seriously injured.

Some startling data from NHTSA shows that in 2012, 40 percent of the drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes had at least one prior DUI on their record.  Many offenders are young drivers.  Thirty-seven percent of the 21- to 24-year old drivers in fatal crashes were drunk.  Surprisingly, almost 1 out of 6 drivers under the age of 21 in fatal crashes was also drunk, even though they’re too young to legally buy or consume alcohol.

If you’re drinking and driving, law enforcement will be out to find and arrest you – no warnings, no excuses.  The only way to truly avoid a DUI is to drive sober. There are many ways to get home safely after drinking, and driving isn’t one of them. Designate a sober driver ahead of time, or call a friend or family member. You could also use public transportation,or call a taxi. The cost of cab fare is nothing compared to a $10,000 DUI or the cost of someone’s life, and the ‘inconvenience’ of not driving your own car home is nothing compared to the inconvenience of spending the holidays behind bars.

Don’t let your summer festivities turn into fatalities.  Funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone; Report Drunk Drivers! – Call 9-1-1.  The Office of Traffic Safety is offering a free mobile app – DDVIP – aimed at thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants.