SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department’s Traffic Unit will be conducting DUI saturation patrols from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Monday, May 31. DUI laws apply to alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, everyday, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes which is one person every 52 minutes,
Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers with BACs of .08 or higher.
A study of active drivers showed that 14 percent tested positive for drug impairment and 7 percent tested positive for alcohol impairment, according to a police report. Of the tested drugs, marijuana was most common at 7.4 percent.
Research shows that publicized DUI patrols can reduced the number of crashes involving impaired drivers by 20 percent, according to a police report. Drivers arrested for a DUI can expect Jail time, fines, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
The DUI saturation is being funded by the SFPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Safety Administration. The SFPD is asking the community to report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.
