[CHP] – Be a team player and designate a sober driver this Super Bowl Sunday.

Here’s why…

More officers will be on patrol, DUI checkpoints, harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders, automatic driver license suspension and the list goes on.

If you are arrested for DUI you may be subject to receiving 2 points on your driver license. In addition you may be subject to the following:

Towing charges: $175

Impound/storage fees: $45/day

Driver License reinstatement fee: $125

New Driver License: $25

Court fines/misc. expenses: $2,500

High risk insurance for 3 yrs: $12,000

Lawyer’s fees: $2,500

TOTAL: $17,415

(Source: Designate a Sober Driver Program Pamphlet – California Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol)

FACTS:

-A DUI does not require consumption of alcohol. Use of any substance which impairs physical or mental function can result in a DUI arrest and conviction.

-California has Zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 21.

-If a person has a prior DUI conviction within the previous 10 years, the minimum jail sentence, DUI school and license suspension are increased. Two prior DUI convictions within 10 years increases penalties further; three prior DUI convictions will result in state prison time.

-High Blood Alcohol Concentration – California imposes an enhanced sentence where the BAC is .15% or higher.

-Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing – The increased jail term for refusing is an addition to the administrative suspension the DMV issues.

-Speeding and/or Reckless Driving – This enhancement involves driving in excess of a specified speed while under the influence of alcohol. California, for example, imposes the enhancement where a driver speeds 20 MPH over the speed limit on a surface street or 30 MPH over the limit on a freeway.

-Child Endangerment – Increased penalties are imposed where there is a minor passenger in the vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest.

More drinking-related crashes happen in California on the day of the National Football League championship than on any other Sunday in January and February, according to the California Department of Insurance. CHP officers see the consequences of drinking and driving first-hand.

“Super Bowl Sunday celebrations and alcohol consumption go hand-in-hand,” said the CHP’s Southern Division Assistant Chief Chris O’Quinn. “The CHP encourages game day fun but discourages driving under the influence and any other unsafe driving. If you plan to drink, please prevent a tragedy by designating a sober driver or calling upon public transportation as a reliable option,” according to Assistant Chief O’Quinn.

Statistics gathered by CHP show game day carries a 77 percent increased risk of alcohol-linked fatal and injury crashes. This year’s Super Bowl is set for Sunday, February 1.

Remember, California DUI penalties are some of the strictest in the nation. The California Highway Patrol encourages everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl, but do it responsibly.

Sheriff Saturation Patrols, too…

[LASD] – Game Plan for Super Bowl Sunday: Are You Drinking or Driving? Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, there will be lots of game day socializing that may include drinking. That’s why the California Office of Traffic Safety and Police, Sheriffs, the California Highway Patrol are urging football fans to choose sides now: drinking or driving. If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.

The Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects.  Driving impaired could result in injury or death for you or others on the road.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail will be conducting roving DUI saturation patrols during and following Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup.  The DUI operations will be at undisclosed locations within the cities of Bellflower and Norwalk where collision data reveals high incidents of DUI crashes and arrests.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, there were 867 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in California –29 percent of all crash fatalities in the state. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit. This February 1, don’t become another tragic Super Bowl stat.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for these operations is provided to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety http://www.ots.ca.gov/ through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www.nhtsa.gov/, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

OTS is offering a free mobile app – DDVIP – aimed at thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants. Available for iPhone and Android. Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink. Stay connected with OTS via: http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS,  http://twitter.com/#!/OTS_CA, www.ots.ca.gov.

AS A DRIVER, PLAN AHEAD WITH THESE TIPS:

Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins.

Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver.

Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.

Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.