Heads Up, Football Fans! CHP On Lookout For Super Bowl Sunday DUIs

From the California Highway Patrol:

Be a team player this Super Bowl Sunday!

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world. Unfortunately, this celebration can quickly turn to tragedy if partygoers get behind the wheel and drive impaired!

During Super Bowl 2012, there were nearly 225 collisions involving an impaired driver. Eight of these crashes caused someone’s death, and 79 resulted in injuries. That same day, CHP made 422 DUI arrests statewide.

If you see a suspected impaired driver, report them to law enforcement by dialing 911. Be prepared to provide the location, direction of travel, the vehicle’s description and the license plate number, and what the vehicle is doing to make you suspect they are DUI.

Driving under the influence puts everyone at risk.

A DUI arrest can result in the following financial burdens:
Towing Charges: $175
Impound/Storage Fees: $45/day
Driver License reinstatement fee: $125
New Driver License: $25
Court fines/fees/penalties: $2,500
Insurance premium increases: $12,000+
Lawyer’s fees: $2,500
TOTAL COST: $17,415
(Source: California Office of Traffic Safety, CHP data)
**These numbers are for a misdemeanor DUI arrest, and increase exponentially when a collision is involved**

Officers in all jurisdictions will be out in force to seek out impaired drivers.

Many alternatives are available, including ride-sharing services, taxi cabs, and public transportation. If you’ve consumed alcohol or used drugs, make the right choice and choose a safe ride home.

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