Drivers who crack open a beer or take drugs before getting behind the wheel can put the lives of every other motorist in their unpredictable hands. People might drink alcohol, consume illegal drugs, or be under the influence of a prescription drug and make a terrible decision to pick up their car keys.
It’s a constant hazard on California Freeways and Boulevards. A California DMV report revealed that in 2020, 32% of deadly accidents in the state involved a drunk driver. 26% of the fatal accidents involved a driver who was under the influence.
DUI Accident Dangers in California
The combination of drugs, alcohol, and other substances causes tens of thousands of accidents in California each year. They also endanger far too many lives.
- Los Angeles recorded 1,428 alcohol-involved accidents resulting in injuries in 2023. Those collisions led to at least 45 deaths. That’s according to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).
- Fresno recorded 227 alcohol-involved accidents resulting in injuries in 2023. Those collisions led to at least 14 fatalities according to TIMS.
- 853 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes in 2023 across California. That’s according to California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
- 297 people were killed in drug-related collisions across California in 2023 according to SWITRS.
- In 2020, 48% of fatal crashes involved DUI in California according to the CA DMV.
For more information, you can visit our blog naming the other top ten causes of California car accidents.
What Are California’s DUI Laws?
According to the California Driver Handbook drivers are prohibited from driving while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects their ability to drive safely. Normal adult drivers (over 21) can’t have a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or higher. Teen drivers can’t have a BAC of .01% or higher. Commercial drivers and rideshare drivers can’t have a BAC of .04% or higher.
The laws cover more than just the use of alcohol and illegal drugs. A prescribed medicine or an over-the-counter drug could also impair someone’s ability to drive safely. The pairing of any drugs or alcohol could also impair a driver’s judgment.
For more information on the laws that cover DUI, visit our page explaining the California Vehicle Code 23153(a).
Can I Consume Alcohol or Marijuana While in the Back Seat?
No. The California Driver Handbook makes California laws on the subject clear. There can’t be any open alcohol or cannabis containers in the vehicle. The containers must be unopened and sealed.
If a container is open, the alcohol or drugs must be in the truck or another place where passengers can’t reach them. There can’t be any open containers of alcohol in the glove box.
Make Sure You Hold an Intoxicated Driver Responsible for Your Accident
If you are struck by an impaired driver and suffer car damage or injuries, you are empowered to seek full compensation for repair bills and medical bills.
If you are seriously hurt and another driver is to blame, a California car accident lawyer can provide valuable protection. Insurance companies will look to blame you for the accident so they can get away with offering you nothing to help with recovery.
Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold insurance companies fully responsible.
