In a previous blog post, we addressed the national Labor Day Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drunk driving survey. With groundbreaking data from the survey reflecting that 8% of all drivers have operated a motor vehicle while drunk at least one time during the past year, law enforcement was on high alert over the weekend to help keep motorists, passengers, and pedestrians safe.

No traffic fatalities were reported in San Diego County for the first 60 hours of the Labor Day weekend, according to the California Highway Patrol. A recent news story states that the reporting period started at 6:01 p.m. Friday and ended at 6 a.m. on Monday. During this timeframe, the CHP made 72 arrests throughout San Diego on surface streets and highways for motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, this number does not take into account any drunk driving arrests made by city police officers. One reported traffic fatality was reported in 2009 and 82 drivers were arrested for DUI.

In the 60-hour period, 1,360 DUI arrests were made by the CHP throughout the state and 11 fatalities within 58 counties were reported. Although there were more drunk driving arrests this year than last year’s 1,262, the number of traffic fatalities in California for the Labor Day holiday was up this year by one.

Far too many innocent lives are lost due to drunk driving auto accidents. In 2008, 12,000 individuals throughout the nation were killed in DUI car crashes. The risk of a vehicle collision is great enough due to distracted driving, dangerous roadways, and vehicle defects without adding drunk driving into the mix.

The aftermath of a San Diego car accident can present several challenges for injury victims and their family members. With an aggressive and knowledgeable San Diego car accident lawyer on your side, you may be able to hold negligent parties liable and obtain compensation to offset medical bills and other expenses associated with your accident. Call skilled San Diego personal injury attorney Steven Elia today for a free consultation at 619-444-2244.

Steven Elia
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