DUI Checkpoint in Fairfield
The Fairfield Police Department (FPD) reported that they would be conducting a DUI enforcement checkpoint on Friday, January 31, 2020. The report stated that the location would be based on local vehicle accident statistics as well as the frequency of DUI arrests made in that area. FPD indicated that by using data-driven tactics, they hope to take advantage of an opportunity to achieve effective drugged and drunk driving deterrence. FPD also noted that their aim is to reduce the number of people who suffer serious and fatal injuries during DUI-related auto accidents.
Enforcement Procedures
Officers reportedly checked drivers for proper licensing as well as signs of impairment by drugs and/or alcohol, temporarily delaying traffic to conduct their checks. Additionally, specially trained officers were dispatched in order to evaluate drivers suspected of being under the influence. FPD stressed that drivers caught operating a vehicle while intoxicated could expect to face fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions, jail time, and other costs, possibly adding up to more than $10,000.
DUI Statistics
In the state of California, DUI accidents caused a total of 1,020 deaths as well as 20,000 severe injuries in the year 2017 alone. Over the most recent three years (2017-2019), officers of FPD say that they have investigated 548 DUI crashes, which left 218 people with injuries and claimed seven lives.
Not Just Alcohol
Most people think of DUI as involving alcohol, but FPD stressed that other substances can be dangerous as well. Taking prescription drugs, especially those with drowsiness warnings, may impair you enough for a DUI. Additionally, marijuana can also impair your ability to drive, especially if it is taken in combination with other intoxicants. Before you drive, it’s important to be mindful and aware of what medications you are taking. Even a small amount of alcohol can seriously impair you if you take it in combination with prescription drugs.
Liability
Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated are putting themselves and others in serious danger. Because they knowingly make this choice, DUI drivers are almost always considered at-fault in the event of a car accident. This means that injured parties can seek compensation by filing injury claims against the DUI driver and/or their insurance company. By doing so, crash survivors are often able to obtain payments for losses such as medical expenses, lost earning potential, personal suffering, property damage, and more.
Additionally, DUI drivers may not be the only liable party in the event of a crash. In some cases, people or businesses that supplied the driver with access to a vehicle or alcohol, knowing that they would drive drunk, can also be considered at-fault. Furthermore, in California, fault is determined by percentage, and more than one driver can be considered negligent. In order to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages, it’s important to get advice from an experienced Fairfield personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able to.
Other Blogs from Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith
- Rainy Roads and Fairfield Crashes
- Defining a Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer
- Motorcycle Collisions in the Fairfield Area
Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield personal injury lawyer. Car crash injuries can be life-changing. To get free, friendly advice about your case, call me at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.
My team and I have represented Fairfield residents in injury cases for 38 years. Learn about our history of advocacy by checking out our settlements and verdicts and by following these links where you can find our outstanding client reviews:
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