Auto Club: August Is the Most Dangerous Month for Drinking and Driving; Costs of DUI Arrest at an All Time High

LOS ANGELES--Aug. 6, 2003--More people are killed and injured in alcohol-related collisions in California during August than in any other month, according to an analysis by the Automobile Club of Southern California.

The analysis looks at a seven-year period from 1996-2002. During that time, 855 persons were killed and 19,835 were injured statewide in alcohol-related collisions during August. July was number two with 815 deaths and 19,771 injuries. February had the lowest number of deaths and injuries with 632 deaths and 16,338 injuries.

"The summer months allow people to focus on vacations and recreational activities where alcohol consumption is often included," said Arline Dillman, Ph.D., traffic safety manger of the Automobile Club of Southern California. "Everyone needs to be aware that even one drink can negatively impact judgment. Too many people wrongly feel that they are fine to drive when, in fact, their judgment, reaction time and perspective are clouded by alcohol."

The Auto Club analysis also indicates that a motorist convicted of a first-time DUI offense in California currently faces a total cost of $12,116. The cost includes minimum fines, $468; penalties, $780; vehicle towing and impound, $187; alcohol education class, $500; increase in auto insurance, $7,300; victim restitution fund, $100; DMV license re-issue fee, $125; booking, fingerprinting and photo fee, $156; and attorney and legal fees, $2,500.

Dillman stressed that despite stricter laws and enforcement, as well as increased education, the number of DUI-related deaths and injuries is on the rise. "In each of the past four years the number of people killed increased after declining for the previous 10 years. The number of persons injured increased in the past three years after declining for the previous 13 years," said Dillman.

The Auto Club has produced an information pamphlet titled "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." It will be available at all 69 Auto Club offices in Southern California.