Westminster DUIs Linked to Car Accident Fatalities and Injuries

With a population of more than 89,000 people, Westminster in Orange County, California is not unlike many cities in Southern California with an ample supply of sports bars and nightclubs. Unfortunately, when the bars let out and the big game is over, many drivers hit the streets with their driving skills impaired by alcohol. And the result is often a tragic car accident.

"California is getting tough on drunk drivers, especially repeat offenders," noted car accident attorney John Bisnar, founder of the BISNAR | CHASE group of personal injury attorneys. "In 2009, drivers on probation for any DUI conviction face zero tolerance if they drive on California highways with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .01% or higher."

The California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported in 2006 that alcohol-related auto collisionsaccounted for three fatalities and 50 injuries in Westminster. What's more, one bicyclist was killed and 31 were injured in city car collisions. Two motorcyclists were killed and 37 were injured. Overall, 10 people were killed and 559 people were injured in Westminster motor vehicle accidents. In 2007, 12 auto accidents resulted in nine deaths.

Statistics revealed that about 13,000 DUI arrests occur in Orange County annually. Almost 10,500 DUIs are male and more than 2,500 are female. Men between 16 and 24 are most often arrested for DUIs. And fully one-third of those arrested for DUIs are repeat offenders. CHP statistics also show that auto, motorcycle, truck, bicycle and pedestrian fatal accidents involving alcohol have risen 21.2 percent in five years.

"The city of Westminster needs to be proactive in its efforts to control DUIs," noted car accident attorney John Bisnar. "Youthful drivers who get behind the wheel after spending hours in a sports bar, need to hand the keys to a designated driver to avoid a causing a serious car accident."

Taking a tough stand against DUIs, Westminster frequently sets up DUI checkpoints along accident-prone roads throughout the city. Checkpoints can often be found along Beach Blvd. at Westminster Blvd., Bolsa Ave. near the Westminster Mall, and Goldenwest St. between McFadden Ave. and Hazard Ave. Westminster Police are required to post details of future DUI checkpoints. Typically, they provide several warnings--listed in The LA Times (Orange County Edition) or the Orange County Register.

"DUI checkpoints have saved many lives throughout Southern California," exclaimed John Bisnar. "They remove not only drunks from the road, but unlicensed and unsafe vehicles from traffic car crashes."

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.