Guest opinion
Drunk drivers ruin the holidays
By Bert Boeckmann Chairman of the California Motor Car Dealers Association

In California, a staggering 1,574 people were killed and 30,810 were injured in alcoholrelated collisions last year. The fatalities were 7 percent higher compared to those in 2005.

Also feeling the impact of these tragic deaths and injuries were family members, friends, employers and others.

Another group severely affected are the thousands of local law enforcement and California Highway Patrol officers who see and deal with the carnage that impaired driving causes on a daily basis.

The law enforcement officers, new car dealers and the California Office of Traffic and Safety are combining forces this month in a focused effort to help reduce the number of lives lost and people injured as a result of drunk driving.

California car dealers have always been committed to protecting motorists. We’re taking that commitment one step further to remind Californians to always designate a sober driver, and if you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. To make an even greater impact, we’re asking citizens throughout the state to serve as an extra set of eyes for law enforcement.

These tips are offered for reporting drunk drivers:

1. Call 911 and tell them you wish to report a drunk driver. Keep a safe distance at all times.

2. Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling.

3. Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate.

4. Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.

As a reminder, the penalties for DUI-related offenses could result in significant jail time and loss of driving privileges. Still, drinking and driving remains a problem. Beer and wine are not any “safer” than hard liquor. A 12ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and 1 ounce of hard liquor all have the same amount of alcohol.

Straddling the center of the road or lane marker, almost striking an object or another vehicle, weaving or zigzagging across the road, driving into opposing or crossing traffic, and turning abruptly or illegally are some of the maneuvers an impaired driver tends to make.

For those who enjoy the kind of holiday spirit that comes from a bottle, there is no excuse for drinking and driving. There are excellent cab companies that can be of service, and family and friends to ensure that impaired individuals and their vehicles get home safely.

Remember, call 911 to report a drunk driver.