DUI Court in Schools Program Educates Students on Dangers of Drinking and Driving

We’ve all heard the assertion, Don’t drink and drive. However, according to data recently compiled by the California Office of Transportation Safety, the average person will drive while intoxicated 80 different times before they are caught by law enforcement officials. That’s an alarmingly high statistic — one that leads to drunk driving car accidents and fatalities that could have otherwise been prevented.

Last year, 6,000 people were arrested in Sacramento County for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – yet another statistic that is too high, according to Angela Kellogg, a Chaplain with Law Enforcement Community Services.

Kellogg believes early prevention techniques are essential for reducing the number of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) accidents and fatalities on California roadways each year. Therefore, she is spearheading a special campaign to teach children and young adults throughout Sacramento County the importance of not drinking and driving.

Each month, Kellogg and her co-workers present DUI Court in Schools at Sacramento-area campuses to introduce students to the often tragic consequences of drinking and driving by bringing real-life DUI court hearings to local schools. The program aims to increase awareness of the legal ramifications associated with driving while under the influence.

Students are reminded that anyone under the age of 21 is not legally permitted to drink alcohol, and anyone younger than 21 years of age who is caught with alcohol in their system will have their drivers license revoked for up to three years. The students also learn a DUI conviction will stay on their driving record for 13 years, a mistake that could potentially interfere with their ability to attend college, get a good paying job, or find affordable car insurance.

Last month, the program was presented at Will Rogers Middle School in Fair Oaks, California. Over 300 students attended the event, where they watched a local judge sentence a lengthy jail term to a DUI offender.

Since its inception five years ago, over 50,000 students have taken part in the DUI Court in Schools program.

In the United States, someone is injured in a drunk driving accident every 90 seconds. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a DUI car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney at the Arnold Law Firm today to discuss your legal options and rights.

Call (916) 777-7777 or fill out our FREE Case Evaluation Form.