CHP Grant – Safer Highways Statewide
On October 27, 2020, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a press release announcing the launch of a new enforcement and education campaign aimed at reducing the number of automobile accidents caused by impaired driving throughout the state. This is a yearlong program, and efforts associated with it will run through September 30, 2021. The CHP grant is called Safer Highways Statewide, and it is funded by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), which operates under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Safer Highways Statewide grant gives funding that will allow the CHP to conduct additional saturation patrols targeting driving under the influence (DUI). The funding will go toward DUI checkpoints as well as statewide traffic safety education projects. The CHP will also be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which is managed by the NHTSA.
DUI Incidents Are Still Too Frequent
Statistics for the year 2018 reveal that there were more than 11,000 injuries and 566 fatalities associated with impaired driving crashes that occurred within the jurisdiction of the CHP. The CHP commissioner points out that every one of those injuries and deaths represented a preventable tragedy and highlighted a continuing need to focus efforts on reducing the frequency of impaired driving incidents.
Driving under the influence is a poor decision that often results in tragic consequences. Impaired driving can result in a costly arrest, or worse – it could cause a serious, even deadly, crash.
If you have suffered injuries in an automobile accident caused by impaired driving, a skilled car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.
Not Just Booze
Part of the goal of the new CHP grant is to remind the general public that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” In addition to alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of these substances, can cause impairment of your ability to drive. Any time you plan to partake in a mind-altering substance, designate a sober driver, utilize public transportation, or call a ride-share or taxi.
The Public Can Help Report DUIs
If you see a vehicle driving erratically or weaving dangerously down the highway, you may think the driver could be under the influence. If so, you can help get that driver off the road.
If you have a passenger in your vehicle, instruct them to call 911 and describe the erratic vehicle along with your location to the dispatcher. If you are alone in your vehicle, pull over to a safe spot, or use your hands-free device to call the emergency number. The CHP cautions not to get too close to the wayward vehicle but to provide as much information as you can from a safe distance.
A DUI is Expensive
The CHP is aware that many people are motivated by finances. As such, they list on their website an estimate of how much being arrested for DUI could cost:
- Towing and storage charges for impounded vehicle: $187
- Jail costs including booking and fingerprinting: $156
- Fines: $468 (at a minimum)
- Penalties: $780 (at a minimum)
- Lawyer and legal fees: $2,557
- Increase in car insurance premium per year: $8,652
- Victim’s Fund: $100
- Fees to reinstate driver’s license: $100
- Required DUI classes: $500
- Estimated Total: $13,500
Watch the YouTube video documenting one CHP officer’s very personal story about a DUI incident.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
Hello, and thank you for reading our blog. I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury attorney. The Sacramento area sees its share of auto accidents caused by impaired driving, in addition to those caused by general driver negligence. If a careless driver has caused an accident that resulted in you or a loved one suffering injuries, the injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com are happy to offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Our local telephone number is (916) 921-6400. We also have a toll-free line for you to dial if your phone is registered outside the local region: (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, you may also fill out our online contact form.
To read client reviews and see some of our prior case results, please visit the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808790/
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