UCPD NEWS
UCPD Participates in California's DUI Enforcement Program
Joining 125 County and State Agencies, with AVOID anti-DUI
UCPD is pleased to continue its successful participation in the state-wide program, AVOID Anti-DUI. UCPD has joined over 540 law enforcement agencies statewide to step-up enforcement of drunk driving violations.
The result of this program's enforcement has been a decrease in the amount of injuries and fatalities due to driving under the influence. The AVOID Anti-DUI program is sponsored by California's Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The University of California Police Department posts the following information for the education of the community. UCPD hopes you will help law enforcement keep the roads safe by reporting suspicious driving, and taking care not to drive under the influence yourself. The costs are too high!
DUI FAQs
How many people are killed by drunk drivers each year?
In 2007, 1,491 people were killed and 30,642 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in California, compared to 1,597 fatalities and 31,099 injuries in 2006. This represents a 5.2 percent decrease in alcohol involved fatalities – the first decrease since 1998.
Source: CHP SWITRS 2007 provisional data.
How many people are arrested for DUI each year?
In 2007, 206,196 people were arrested in California for driving under the influence, up from 199,147 in 2006.
Source: California Department of Justice Criminal Justice Statistics Center.
How do I know if a driver is driving drunk or just a bad driver?
There are a variety of clues that might indicate a drunk driver, including: turning wide, almost striking another vehicle, weaving, swerving or turning abruptly, following too closely, erratic breaking and driving with headlights off, among others. For a complete list of clues on how to spot a drunk driver, visit www.ots.ca.gov.
How can the public report a drunk driver?
Call 911 from your cell phone when it is safe to do so. If you continue to hear all operators are busy recording when calling 9-1-1, consider calling your local police or sheriff’s department to report the drunk driver or stay on the line.
What happens when someone calls 911 to report a suspected drunk driver in California?
The 911 dispatcher will ask for a vehicle description (make, model, color), as well as the license plate number, the exact location of the vehicle the direction of travel and cross streets. That information will then be relayed to officers in the field.
Do I have to give my name if I call to report a suspected drunk driver?
No. You can remain anonymous.
If I see a drunk driver, should I try and stop the car or talk to the driver?
No. Leave that to trained professionals. Don’t try to stop or follow the vehicle or detain the drunk driver if they stop. Do not attempt to act in the capacity of any police, fire or medical personnel unless you are properly trained and authorized to perform that function.
Will sobriety checkpoints be taking place in my area?
Yes. California’s “AVOID DUI” task forces have been expanded to include more than 450 local police Sheriff’s departments, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) along with dozens of other special police districts, covering 98 percent of the state’s population.
What does a DUI cost?
According to the CHP, DUI in California can cost $7,000 or more, including:
- Vehicle tow charges & storage fees
- Bail
- Attorney fees (just to plead guilty)
- Fines, penalties and court fees
- DUI education course
- Vehicle insurance increases
And extensive personal costs, including:
- Time in jail following conviction
- Three to five years probation
- Drivers license suspension
- Missed time off work
- DUI conviction on your record for 10 years
Where can I find complete data on California DUI collisions, by county?
Where can I find Information on planning, preparing & hosting a safe and sober celebration?
The US Department of Health has information on safely hosting celebrations including recipes for non-alcoholic drinks at: http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/partytips.pdf
Learn more about the AVOID Anti-DUI Program
http://www.californiaavoid.org/about_history.php
What is "Avoid the 21"?
The campaign is named for the 21 law enforcement agencies in Alameda County who participate in the statewide AVOID Anti-DUI program. AVOID Anti-DUI is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read more
What other similar enforcement programs are there?
National "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Press Release —December 17, 2008
How can I help?
If you are a campus community member who drives:
1. Drink responsibly and designate a driver
2. Report drunk drivers
Blue light phones connect directly to UCPD. Don't hesitate to press the button on one of these phones. Let dispatchers know—
- where you are
- what you saw, or what happened
- when you saw it
- if it's still happening
Or connect directly to UCPD by dialing 510-642-3333 from your cell phone. Program that number into your mobile adddress book and give it a quick key for easy access.
More Information about UCPD
Know your Emergency Telephone Numbers:
UCPD, 1 Sproul Hall
Emergency Telephone Number via Campus Phone - 911
Emergency Telephone Number via Cell Phone – (510) 642-3333
Non-Emergencies Telephone Number - (510) 642-6760
Berkeley Police Department, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Emergency Telephone Number: 911
Emergency Telephone Number via Cell Phone - (510) 981-5911
Non-Emergency Telephone Number - (510) 981-5900
Come to the Station
Still have questions? Police services are always available at the station, Room 1 Sproul Hall. Enter through the south basement doors on the Bancroft Ave side of the building.
Explore the Site for More Safety Info:
Thank you for visiting police.berkeley.edu. UCPD encourages everyone to utilize our safety programs and services all year round. Take a minute to look over our campus safety guidelines and learn more ways to protect your vehicle, your belongings and yourself on campus and off. Stay informed of current crime activity in the campus area by reading crime alerts.
Related Links at UCPD
|
