San Diego DUI attorney news

It is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Be reminded of the dangers and costs of a San Diego DUI - driving under the influence of any alcohol or other drugs. In 2005, 16, 885 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. This accounted for 39 percent of all traffic related deaths.

In San Diego County, 106 people were killed and 2,057 injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2005. The yearly cost of these alcohol related crashes is approximately $51 billion nationwide. Drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle deaths. According to local San Diego DUI program surveys, 44 percent of people arrested for San Diego DUI were coming from a private residence, and 36 percent were coming from a bar or restaurant. Thirteen percent report being at parties where minors were drinking.

How to Protect Yourself, Friends and Family: Don't drink and drive. Don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink. Volunteer to be a designated driver. Don't use illegal drugs, or drive under the influence of prescription drugs that recommend not operating heavy machinery. If you do, you risk a San Diego DUI and having to hire a SAn Diego dui lawyer. Don't drive when you are tired. Driving while tired is equal to driving when drunk. Whether you are drunk or tired, it means you have slowed reactions and impaired judgment. Report San Diego DUI drunk drivers to San Diego DUI law enforcement.

If you are hosting a San Diego party, create a setting where people feel comfortable socializing with one another. Encourage conversation and social interaction. Never encourage excessive drinking. Serve food before serving alcohol. Place more emphasis on the food than the alcohol. Do provide an open bar. Be responsible when serving alcohol. Be prepared to say "no" when someone has had enough. Don't let friends drive after drinking or they risk a San Diego DUI. Help guests arrange safe transportation options. Don't allow minors to have access to alcohol. Under local ordinances, you could be fined or serve jail time for being a social host for underage drinking. According to Oceanside's Social Host ordinance, for example, hosts are responsible for controlling the quantity and access to alcohol, verifying age, and supervising the activities of minors. Serve non-alcoholic drinks, too, but remember that coffee and energy drinks do not "sober" your guests. Respect anyone's choice not to drink. Remember that a guest's reason for not drinking is private. Respect it.

A bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink contain almost identical amounts of pure alcohol. Know your limit. Federal dietary guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. Eat food while you drink. High-protein food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol into your body. Don't gulp your drink. Sip it. Don't let anyone force a drink on you. Don't participate in drinking games. Beware of unfamiliar drinks. Some drinks can be deceiving: You may not taste the alcohol in them, but they still can get you drunk. Do not mix alcohol and any prescription medicines. Ask your pharmacist about any precautions or prohibitions with alcohol and your over-the-counter and behind-the-counter medicine.

San Diego DUI lawyers are available to help answer questions.