(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) State Superintendent
of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today joined members of law enforcement
and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) to encourage students and adults to be
careful while driving and to never mix driving with alcohol or drugs.
“I
think we can all agree there’s nothing like ringing in the New Year with family
and friends,” O’Connell said. “Unfortunately, this holiday week also is one of
the most dangerous times of the year for our young people because of distracted
driving or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, impaired teenage
drivers are at far greater risk of being involved in a fatal crash than older
drivers. Teen judgment is more impaired by just one or two drinks compared to
older drivers. Also, their inexperience behind the wheel puts them at even
greater risk. The CHP reports that the total number of driving-under-
the-influence (DYI) arrests in 2008 was 97,019. The total number of collisions
involving alcohol that year numbered 50,142 and resulted in 1,355 fatalities.
Last week, the CHP made 1,104 DUI arrests
statewide during its holiday enforcement period that started at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday and ended at midnight Sunday. CHP officers will conduct a
similar holiday enforcement effort over the long New
Year’s weekend.
“I want our students to enjoy
this holiday season, but I also want them to stay safe and be alive and healthy
for school in the New Year,” added O’Connell. “I also would like to strongly
encourage parents to pay particular attention to their children for any signs
of drug use or drinking. Teenagers should also be fully aware that, for them,
drinking any amount of alcohol and driving is illegal. California has a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for
underage drinking and driving, and it is strictly enforced. My message to our
teens is simple: ’Don’t do it.’”
Teenagers discovered to be driving under the
influence of alcohol or drugs face serious consequences, including the loss of
a driver’s license for a year or until the age 18 (whichever is longer),
court-ordered impounding of a vehicle, possible court fines, and jail time.
Drivers under the age of 21 who have had any amount of alcohol or drugs in
their systems will be subject not only to civil penalties but to criminal
penalties and fines.
“Our young people have rich opportunities
ahead of them. Let’s make sure they celebrate this New Year safe and sober,”
concluded O’Connell.
