On July 2, 2018, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control ("ABC") has announced its agents will visit local drinking establishments and large venues this July 4th Independence Day holiday. ABC agents will attempt to prevent "underage or intoxicated people from being served [alcohol]." These enforcement efforts will be targeting both licensee business and its patrons.
Statistics of Driving Under the Influence ("DUI") during July 4th from 2011 to 2015 per ABC:
• IN U.S., 751 PEOPLE KILLED IN DUI COLLISIONS
• IN CALIFORNIA, AVERAGE OF 6 PEOPLE ARE KILLED IN DUI COLLISIONS AND 110 SERIOUSLY INJURED
ABC recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: • PLAN AHEAD: Plan a safe way home before the fun begins. • DESIGNATE A DRIVER: Before drinking, designate a sober driver. • VOLUNTEERING TO BE A SOBER DRIVER? The Office of Traffic Safety Designated Driver – Very Important Person (DDVIP) program partners with bars and restaurants to offer nonalcoholic specialty drinks for DDs, among other deals: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks. To learn more about DDVIP and other OTS awareness, education and enforcement campaigns, visit www.ots.ca.gov, as well as the OTS Facebook and Twitter pages: https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS/ and https://twitter.com/OTS_CA?lang=en. • DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL CAN EQUAL CRASHES: Statistics have revealed that 30 percent of drivers in fatal collisions had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. • REPORT DRUNK DRIVERS: If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate – “Report Drunk Drivers! Call 911!” The call you make may save a life!
And, be reminded that not all DUIs involve only alcohol. Per the ABC and OTS (Office of Traffic Safety), "DUI Doesn't Just Mean Booze." DUI law includes prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and Marijuana use. Because of the new California laws that allow recreational use, users of Marijuana should take the same preventive precautions of persons consuming alcohol when contemplating driving home after a night out.
The Department's statistics show that drunk-driving deaths are 100% preventable. Thus, its in everybody's best interests to avoid DUIs.
DDVIP Program: "The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The DDVIP app offers to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Also through the app, for those who want to make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride."
