With its sandy beaches and thriving tourism industry, Huntington Beach in Southern California is well-known for being a huge party city. Therefore, it is not surprising that this city has some of the highest instances of accidents resulting from one or more parties driving under the influence (DUI) in California State.
Huntington Beach has a huge number of active alcohol licenses, which are a huge draw to local residents and thousands of tourists. Visitors come to the city for excellent surfing and volleyball matches. The DUI issue comes up when it’s time for the drinkers to go back home or to their hotels.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an alcohol-related car accident, you should speak to Huntington Beach car accident attorneys with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. We will guide you on the steps to take after the accident. Call us today at 213-985-1120.
Percentage Of DUI Accidents
Huntington Beach has a reputation for its exciting nightlife atmosphere close to the pier and nearby traffic results in many DUI accidents. Such accidents are usually more dangerous compared to normal accidents involving clear-headed and focused drivers.
It is estimated that 31 deaths occurred in Huntington Beach from 2009 to 2014, because of 1,758 DUI accidents. That means that nearly 2% of DUI accidents in the city led to death.
In 2011, Huntington Beach took top position for California cities with the highest rates of traffic accidents caused by alcohol. During that year, about 164 people died or sustained injuries in car accidents involving alcohol use.
Law Enforcement Intervention
Huntington Beach has over 10 miles of scenic coastline and at least 60 bars and clubs. People visit the area to enjoy themselves and there’s no shortage of entertainment venues for meeting that need. However, the bar influx is a major cause of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Fortunately, the local police initiated the Know You Limit Program to decrease the number of drunk driving incidents. Under the program, police officers go into local bars with breathalyzers to test the alcohol consumption of patrons in the bars.
Patrons exceeding the legal alcohol limit are given vouchers for ride services. The program was implemented in 2011, and since then it has helped to reduce the DUI accident rates in Huntington Beach.
DUI Laws
The law in California prohibits drivers from hitting the road if they have a BAC level of at least 0.08. In addition, further catch-all provisions may be applicable even to lower levels of BAC if the driving ability is substantially impaired. California’s Vehicle Code also mandates drivers not to operate vehicles when they intoxicated with drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.
Driving with a BAC reading of not less than 0.08 can lead to considerable fines, driver’s license suspension, and other court penalties for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may face:
- Larger fines
- Jail time
- Longer license suspensions
- Mandatory alcohol programs
- Heightened car insurance rates
Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
With many years of experience in personal injury cases, Huntington Beach car accident attorneys can help. If you are a victim of a car accident caused by alcohol, our specialized attorneys have the knowledge and skills to evaluate your options.
Contact the offices of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. They will advise you on the best cause of action for your particular case.