The holidays are a time for celebration, family gatherings, and festive cheer. Unfortunately, this season also sees a rise in DUI-related crashes, leading to preventable holiday accidents. To combat this, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has increased its enforcement efforts to keep roads safe and protect families from tragedies caused by impaired driving. This year, CHP cracked down on impaired driving over Thanksgiving weekend by deploying extra officers, implementing DUI checkpoints, and monitoring road safety to prevent crashes. These early efforts set the stage for ongoing enforcement throughout the holiday season.
With over 1,000 deaths and more than 27,000 injuries from alcohol-related crashes in California last year, DUI enforcement is warranted. During the holidays, the risk becomes even greater as more people take to the roads to celebrate. In this article, Deldar Injury and Trial Attorneys is here to share the facts about drunk driving accidents in California and offer solutions for everyone to have a safe holiday.
How CHP Will Increase DUI Enforcement
The holiday season often brings an increase in impaired driving. Holiday parties, dinners, and celebrations frequently involve alcohol, which can impair judgment and delay reaction times. According to the CHP, DUI-related crashes typically spike during major holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. These holiday accidents endanger not only impaired drivers but also innocent passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists on the road. Through its Impaired Driver Enforcement Programs, CHP works tirelessly to reduce DUI-related crashes by targeting impaired drivers and raising public awareness. These efforts include:
- Sobriety Checkpoints: CHP regularly sets up DUI checkpoints throughout the state, especially during peak holiday periods, to screen for impaired drivers.
- Increased Patrols: Saturation patrols place more officers on the road to monitor and identify signs of impaired driving.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: CHP partners with local communities and media to spread messages about the dangers of drinking and driving.
- Arrests & Prosecution: Those caught driving under the influence face strict penalties, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
CHP’s statistics highlight that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of holiday accidents. CHP officials say 1,047 arrests were made for driving under the influence around Thanksgiving in 2023 alone. With the above measures in place, CHP hopes to prevent holiday accidents and ensure Californians can celebrate the season safely. Also, the department received a $6.1 million grant to continue its strategies and prevent DUI-related accidents.
California DUI Laws
Like most states, California’s driving and driving laws are strict with the intent of preventing impaired driving from occurring in the first place. These laws cover various situations and apply to all motorists across the state:
- Implied Consent: Anyone granted the privilege to drive in California is presumed to have given consent for law enforcement to conduct chemical testing of their blood or breath if suspected of DUI.
- BAC Limit: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, as is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- Truckers’ DUI: The BAC limit for commercial vehicle drivers is even stricter. It is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Drivers with a BAC reading as low as 0.01% may immediately be out of service.
- Underage DUI: Drivers under 21 are subject to California’s Zero Tolerance policy. A BAC of 0.01% or higher on a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test can lead to license suspension or revocation.
- License Suspension: A driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.05% or higher can be arrested and face license suspension or revocation.
It’s very important to note that reaching these BAC thresholds isn’t difficult. For the average person, “one drink” is enough to push them over the edge and be a danger to others on the road. CHP says people weighing less than 150 pounds are more susceptible to alcohol affecting their BAC levels. Understanding these laws is crucial for drivers of all ages. Adhering to them not only avoids legal consequences but also helps prevent holiday accidents caused by impaired driving.
Alternatives To Drunk Driving
One of the best ways to prevent holiday accidents caused by impaired driving is to plan ahead and take advantage of the many alternatives to drinking and driving. If you plan to consume alcohol during the holidays, consider these safe options:
- Designated Sober Driver
- Rideshare Services (Uber, Lyft, Taxi, Waymo, etc.)
- Public Transportation
- Call a Friend/Family Member
- Stay Overnight
By making responsible choices, you can help reduce holiday accidents and ensure everyone gets home safely. Impaired driving affects more than just the person behind the wheel. Families and communities are left grieving when lives are lost due to preventable holiday accidents. That’s why CHP officials are pushing for more enforcement; it’s simply to save lives and protect families from devastating consequences.
Closing Thoughts
The CHP’s message is clear: Drive sober or don’t drive. Whether attending a party, a family gathering, or a New Year’s celebration, always plan a safe way to get home. Together, we can help prevent holiday accidents and make the season safer. f you or someone you know has been affected by an impaired driver this holiday season, seeking legal guidance can provide the support you need to move forward. Our California law offices at Deldar are open 24/7 at (844) 335-3271. Contact us anytime, and we can help victims of DUI-related holiday accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve!