Authorities reported 16 car accident deaths in California on state highways over the Christmas holiday weekend so far, according to an Associated Press news report. The number of fatalities has remained the same compared to last year. However, the number of drunk driving arrests made by the California Highway Patrol, this year rose sharply to 970 from 824 in 2008.

Drunk Driving Laws

This is worrisome to say the least, and an extremely disturbing statistic. Although the number of fatalities remained the same, the number of DUI arrests saw almost an 18 percent increase. Drinking and driving is serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The same code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.

Please Be Vigilant During the Holidays

It comes as no surprise that the holiday season is one of the deadliest times of the year for alcohol-related crashes. DUI accidents result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) estimates that each year nationally, more than 1,000 people die during Thanksgiving to New Year’s in drunk driving crashes. Because of increased consumption of alcohol and an increase in the number of special events and parties, drinking and driving is just more prevalent. Ironically, DUI car crashes are one of the more easily preventable catastrophes. Drinking and driving is a choice each driver makes. There were close to 1,000 DUI arrests just during the Christmas weekend here in California and we haven't even hit New Year's Eve yet!

If you are planning to be out at a party on New Year's Eve, please do not get behind the wheel drunk. If you drink, do not drive, no matter how little you think you've had or no matter how confident you feel about driving. If you are hosting a party, offer to provide a ride home or a place for guests who drink to sleep or "sober up." Even if you do not drink, avoid driving during the late night hours or early morning hours during New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Always wear your seatbelt and make sure that your passengers do too. Please be safe this holiday season!

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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