Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Information About DUI's
How many people are killed by drunk drivers each year?
In 2008, 1,355 people were killed and 28,457were injured in alcohol-related crashes in California, compared to 1,489 fatalities and 30,642 injuries in 2007.
Source: CHP SWITRS 2008 Report
How many people are arrested for DUI each year?
In 2008, 214,811 people were arrested in California for driving under the influence, up from 206,196 in 2007.
Source: California Department Motor Vehicles
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, among others. For a complete list of clues on how to spot a drunk driver, visit www.ots.ca.gov.
How can the public report a drunk driver?
Call 911 from your cell phone when it is safe to do so. If you continue to hear all operators are busy recording when calling 9-1-1, consider calling your local police or sheriff’s department to report the drunk driver or stay on the line.
What happens when someone calls 911 to report a suspected drunk driver in California?
The 911 dispatcher will ask for a vehicle description (make, model, color), as well as the license plate number, the exact location of the vehicle the direction of travel and cross streets. That information will then be relayed to officers in the field. Whether an officer responds quickly will depend on what other incidences are being responded to at the same time.
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. Do not attempt to act in the capacity of any police, fire or medical personnel unless you are properly trained and authorized to perform that function.
Will sobriety checkpoints be taking place in my area?
Yes. California’s “AVOID DUI Task Forces” have been expanded to include more than 450 local police, Sheriff’s departments, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), along with dozens of other special police districts, covering 98 percent of the state’s population.
What does a DUI cost?
According to the CHP, DUI in California can cost $7,000 or more, including:
- Vehicle tow charges & storage fees
- Bail
- Attorney fees (just to plead guilty)
- Fines, penalties and court fees
- DUI education course
- Vehicle insurance increases
Plus...
- Time in jail following conviction
- Three to five years probation
- Drivers license suspension
- Missed time off work
- DUI conviction on your record for 10 years
Additional DUI statistics can be found on the CHP web site: http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/dui-en.html
Where can I find complete data on California DUI collisions, by county?
For 2008 statewide and county data, visit http://www.chp.ca.gov/switrs/
Additional DUI arrest data is also available from the Department of Justice at:
http://stats.doj.ca.gov/cjsc_stats/prof08/00/4A.htm - Misdemeanor
http://stats.doj.ca.gov/cjsc_stats/prof08/00/3A.htm - Felony
Where can I find Information on planning, preparing & hosting a safe and sober celebration?
Safely hosting celebrations with recipes for non-alcoholic drinks at: http://www.ehow.com/topic_445_nonalcoholic-party-drinks.html
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