Health

Drunk Drivers Killing, Injuring San Diegans

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Drunk drivers kill.

Every 51 minutes, an American dies in a motor vehicle crash involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That’s about 30 people each day according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Still, drunk people choose to get behind the wheel, putting themselves and others in danger. And, according to the California Highway Patrol, the 4th of July is one of the holidays when the festivities tend to turn tragic.

That’s why County officials are asking San Diegans that if they plan to celebrate this weekend to do it responsibly.

“As Americans, we love to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends,” said Alfredo Aguirre, director of the County Health and Human Services Agency Behavioral Health Services Division. “It’s important to enjoy the food and fireworks, but if you’re going to drink, you should not be driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can be deadly.”

From 2010 through 2014, a total of 79 people in the County were charged with driving under the influence and killing someone and 1,807 drunk drivers were also charged for injuring people. Furthermore, 2015 has started on a very tragic note – there are over 20 very serious injury cases in which victims of suspected impaired drivers have been left paralyzed or with major life altering injuries.  In just the past eleven weeks there have been DUI charges filed in five cases that left six adults and one child dead.

“Law enforcement will be looking for drunk drivers. If you get caught driving under the influence, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Cally Bright, deputy district attorney in the DUI Homicide Unit. “If you kill someone while driving impaired, we will be reviewing the case for murder charges. That means 15 years to life in prison.  People who drink and drive know that what they are doing is dangerous, but they choose to do it anyway. We need to stop them!”

Law enforcement agencies throughout the county conduct sobriety checks year round and intensify efforts during the summer and on holidays. They will also be out en masse this weekend looking for impaired drivers.

1 in 6 adults binge drink

While overall drunk driving crashes have declined over the past 20 years, a CDC study released last year showed a growing number of 18-34-year-olds were choosing to drive after consuming alcohol.

The reason? Binge drinking.

According to the CDC, one in six adults is a binge drinker. That’s more than 38 million Americans. They binge drink at least four times per month and consume an average of eight drinks per seating. The CDC has also found that most people detained for DUI had been binge drinking before they got arrested.

Binge drinking is defined as ingesting five alcoholic drinks for men and four for women on the same occasion on at least one day in the past month.

“Most adults enjoy an alcoholic beverage once in a while, but a growing number is drinking in excess. This is troublesome,” Aguirre added.

In addition to car crashes, binge drinking can also lead to:

  • Falls, burns and drowning
  • Sexual assault and domestic violence
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Unintended pregnancies

Alcohol and drug treatment programs are available throughout the region as part of Live Well San Diego, the County’s vision to improve the health and well-being of local residents. Residents with a substance abuse problem should call the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.

“If you’re 21 and older and you’re going to drink this 4th of July, have a designated driver or use public or another form of transportation. But don’t risk it,” Aguirre concluded.

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact