Torrance Car Accidents Reduced Through Use of DUI Checkpoints

Torrance car accident lawyers tell us the city continues to struggle with car accidents that have injured and killed many people. The year 2008 was no exception. A 42-year-old motorcyclist lost his life on Maricopa when a semi-truck and trailer pulled into the intersection to make an eastbound turn. A 57-year-old man was struck and killed by a southbound car while he was trying to cross Crenshaw. On that same street, a 17-year-old was killed when he lost control of his Corvette, crossed into opposing traffic, and collided with two other cars.

Sadly, these car accidents contribute to Torrance's yearly statistics of deaths and injuries. According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2006, Torrance suffered 12 fatalities and 401 injuries in car accidents. DUI car collisions took three lives and injured 35. One pedestrian was killed and 27 were injured in traffic accidents. Motorcycle accidents in the city injured 22.

"As a personal injury lawyer who's been involved in hundreds of cases, car accidents are preventable tragedies that take many lives, young and old," lamented John Bisnar, of the law office of BISNAR | CHASE. "Drivers need to drive more responsibly and obey traffic laws. In addition, law enforcement agencies need to adopt measures to keep dangerous drivers from getting behind the wheel."

To cut down on the number of car accidents and injuries, Torrance Police turned to DUI/Drivers License checkpoints in various areas of the city. A key element of the checkpoints is to identify and remove DUI violators and unlicensed drivers, and to educate the public on the many dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In Torrance, checkpoints are set up at various times of the year to catch violators. A recent checkpoint, conducted in the southbound lanes of the 22100 block of Western, was highly successful. Police cited 19 unlicensed drivers or drivers without a valid California license. They also cited three drivers with suspended licenses. Another 33 drivers were written up for various offenses and equipment violations. In addition, 21 cars were impounded. Torrance Police recently scheduled another DUI/Drivers License checkpoint in the 4300 block of Pacific Coast Highway.

"As a car accident attorney, I've found that administered properly, DUI/Drivers License checkpoints are a proven method for removing DUIs and unlicensed drivers from traffic," said John Bisnar. "Ideal during holidays and weekends, they raise public awareness to the dangers of driving while intoxicated."

Be on the Hit-and-Run Lookout

BISNAR | CHASE, in conjunction with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization, is launching a program intended to wipe out hit-and-runs in the state of California by offering rewards for tips leading to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers. See Hit-and-Run Reward for more details.

BISNAR | CHASE 2006-2010 Super Lawyers names outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. BISNAR | CHASE has received this award for five consecutive years. Brian Chase was named one of the 2010 Top 50 Orange County Lawyers.