D.A. urges public to report drunk drivers

The Ventura County district attorney’s office is participating in a statewide campaign, “Make it Home for the Holidays,” to publicize the problem of drunk driving, a crime that increases during the holiday season, too often with tragic results for innocent citizens.

The campaign is being coordinated by the California District Attorneys Association as part of the $3.4 million grant received from the Office of Traffic Safety.

The media will be asked to air public service announcements during the holidays, urging everyone to promote safety by reporting suspected impaired drivers and discouraging friends and loved ones from drinking and driving.

DUI arrests and accidents are increasing in California while declining in other states. There were 1,719 alcoholrelated fatalities in the state last year, up from 1,667 in 2004. Alcohol-related traffic fatalities in California have increased every year since 1998. In Ventura County, about 3,723 individuals were charged with driving under the influence last year. Five individuals were charged with causing a death while driving impaired.