Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Sonora PD Press release re: alarming increase in DUI accidents and arrests

The Sonora Police Department has noticed an alarming increase in driving under the influence accidents and arrests during the first six months of 2012. Between Jan and June 2011, the Sonora Police Department only had 27 arrests for DUI. This year, during the same time period the Department has had 60 arrests. There has also been a 19% increase in DUI related accidents.
The Department has noticed two other disturbing trends. The first is the number of arrests that have been made for driving under the influence of controlled substances. The second is the high blood alcohol (BA) levels of those who are being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The current average BA is .15, which is almost twice the legal limit.


An Officer was recently sent to special training to deal with people driving under the influence of controlled substances. Upon their return from training, they have made several arrests for driving under the influence of controlled substances.
Another increase in arrests is attributed to people reporting suspected intoxicated drivers. The Department has been receiving a lot more calls regarding suspected intoxicated drivers, most of which have resulted in arrests. The Sonora Police Department would like to thank those of you who have reported suspected intoxicated drivers.
The Sonora Police Department would like to encourage people to continue reporting possible intoxicated drivers. We would also like to remind everyone that if you call 911 on your cell phone in the Sonora area, you will reach the Merced CHP Office. They will then transfer you to the Sonora Police Department. However, you can call the Sonora Police Department directly at 532-8141 to report suspected drunk drivers.