DUI doesn’t just mean booze

PPD reminds residents not to drive under the influence

As celebrations associated with Independence Day — fireworks, backyard barbecues and pool parties — wind down, it’s vital for everyone to work together to spread a life-saving message: DUI doesn’t just mean booze.

This Independence Day holiday, the Porterville Police Department wants to remind Porterville residents to plan for a safe week of festivities by not driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or drugs. Doing so ensures you will not put others, and yourself, in danger by driving impaired, said Lieutenant Josh Maniss with the Porterville Police Department.

“We want everyone in the community to enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday, while being responsible,” Maniss said. “Not only is alcohol and drugged-impaired driving illegal, it can have deadly consequences. We want to reinforce the extreme importance of ensuring that a sober driver will be ready to help you get home safely. Having a sober driver lined up could save lives.”

In recent years, Maniss said California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. During the 2017 four-day Fourth of July holiday in California, Maniss said 17 people were killed and 430 injured in alcohol-involved crashes. He said the Porterville PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”

“If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI,” Maniss said. “Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.”

Prepare for the Fourth

For those who will be drinking during the Fourth of July holiday, Maniss said to plan how to get around without driving. He said to also remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:

Designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ridesharing service to get home safely.

Use the community’s sober ride program.

Have a friend or family member who is about to drive buzzed or impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.

Report drunk drivers — call 911.

“You can also do your part by volunteering to be a designated sober driver,” Maniss said. “Through our DDVIP program, select bars and restaurants are offering non-alcoholic specialty drinks for sober drivers, among other deals, which can be found at http://bit.- ly/otsddrinks.”

The Costs of Drunk Driving

Maniss said drinking and driving is dangerous, even if you’re “just buzzed” or drug impaired.

“When you drive impaired, you risk the lives and safety of those riding with you and around you,” Maniss said, adding, “You also risk a big hit on your wallet.

A first time DUI arrest could cost up to $10,000, which he said includes attorney fees, fines, very high insurance rates, car towing, an alcohol/drug education treatment program and lost time at work, not to mention jail time, years on probation, the loss of your vehicle and driver’s license.

He added enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Maniss said a final statistic to remember is that drunk-driving deaths are 100 percent preventable. Whether by bike, car, motorcycle or walking, be a part of the solution and ‘Go Safely California.’