California Launches Holiday Anti-DUI Efforts; December is California's Drunk and Drugged Driving - 3D - Prevention Month.

City Desk, Transportation Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2000

With the holiday season in full swing, many Californians will enjoy holiday gatherings and celebrations with co-workers, friends and family in the coming weeks.

Unfortunately, many will also choose to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol -- putting themselves as well as others at risk.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP), along with the California Restaurant Association, encourage all Californians to join the efforts of law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, colleges and businesses throughout the state to promote California's Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. 3D Month lends support to Governor Gray Davis' Traffic Congestion Relief Plan by helping to prevent traffic congestion caused by alcohol-related crashes.

Last year in California, 1,170 people were killed and more than 29,000 were injured in alcohol related crashes, with more than 15 percent of those killed and injured being young people ages 16-20. This year's 3D Month effort will include a special emphasis on underage drinking and driving -- particularly among college students. California is currently experiencing an increase in young drivers, with the trend expected to continue through 2007.

"If you drink and then get behind the wheel, we'll be looking for you," said CHP Commissioner D.O. (Spike) Helmick. "The CHP wants to remind motorists early on that drinking and driving will not be tolerated, especially for those under 21. Make sure the holidays are a celebration rather than a tragedy."

The OTS currently funds more than 100 traffic safety programs and community-based organizations across the state aimed at preventing DUI-related injuries and fatalities through the California Business, Transportation & Housing Agency, including:

-- Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety "DUI Traffic Safety Program"
focuses on the enforcement of alcohol related violations and will increase the
number of DUI checkpoints and the use of portable intoxilizers in Rohnert Park.


-- Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System "DUI Court in the Schools
Program" brings actual criminal court proceedings into classrooms and allows
students to witness real-life consequences in DUI, underage drinking and
illegal alcohol sales.

-- San Diego State University "Pay the Price" program includes training youths
to facilitate group presentations to help build the perception of risk
regarding underage drinking among their peers.

"The OTS takes impaired driving very seriously," said Teresa Becher, OTS Interim Director. "California has made ardent strides in the fight against impaired driving over the past decade, but we still have much more work ahead of us. We're asking all law enforcement agencies, schools, community-based organizations and employers to help prevent the senseless tragedy that comes with drunk driving. And remember, safety belts save lives, so be sure to buckle up everyone."

2000 marks the 10th anniversary for California's signature 3D Month event, "Light's on for Life," a one-day observance in which law enforcement officers drive with their headlights on in remembrance of those who have been killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes. "Lights on for Life" also serves as a reminder that law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. This year's "Lights on for Life" observance will be held statewide on Friday, December 15th. The public is encouraged to join this effort and drive with their headlights on as well. For more information regarding 3D Month or "Lights on for Life," visit the OTS web site at www.ots.ca.gov.

(a) Statistics are based on California Highway Patrol 1999 provisional data.