Tustin Car Accidents Are Below National Average

Tustin in Orange County, California, with its population topping 74,000, has a higher than average population density, yet Tustin car accidents have caused fewer than average deaths.

"Tustin had no bicycle or pedestrian car crash-related deaths and no DUI fatalities," said car accident attorney John Bisnar of the BISNAR | CHASE Law Firm. "Hopefully, the city can continue this downward trend in accidents."

Looking back at 2001 to 2003, Tustin had 14 fatal car crashes. Yet, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this rate of 2.1 fatal crashes per 10,000 in population was lower than the national norm.

The California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) indicated that in 2006, two people lost their lives and 392 were injured in Tustin car collisions. Drunk driving accidents caused 30 injuries. In addition, 24 pedestrians and 20 bicyclists were injured in car crashes. Tustin motorcycle accidents resulted in one death and 21 injuries.

As many as 40 percent of car accident fatalities in the country are caused by drunk drivers. Excessive speed causes 30 percent of fatal car crashes. And cell phone talkers account for 25 percent of car accidents. More than 50 percent of all car accident fatalities occur because drivers and/or passengers refuse to simply "buckle up." Regrettably one-fourth of all U.S. drivers will end up in a car collision within five years.

To remove drunk drivers from Tustin streets and roadways, and to educate the public on the dangers of drunk driving, the Tustin Police Department conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, March 20th from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on First Street.

At this sobriety checkpoint, many vehicles were stopped and motorists who were driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs were placed under arrest. The goal was to inform those who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol that they will be subject to arrest and heavy fines. Police continually encourage the public to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they spot a suspected impaired driver.

"Although Tustin is safer than many California cities, many people have been needlessly injured by motorists who insist on getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol," noted John Bisnar. "These sobriety and license checkpoints help reduce tragic accidents. They also keep unlicensed drivers off city streets."

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.