In 2005, Newport Beach ranked highest in the state in its population category (50,000-100,000) for alcohol-related collisions.

In 2006, 30 percent of all DUI arrests made in the city were Newport Beach residents. That same year, 39 percent of all statewide traffic deaths involved alcohol, resulting in 1,596 car accident fatalities. In addition, in 2006, the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported that alcohol-related accidents accounted for three car collision fatalities and 70 personal injuries.

In 2007, the Newport Beach Police Department arrested 538 DUI drivers, compared to 385 in 2005. One of those was Former Oakland A’s pitcher and “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Matt Keough, who violated the terms of his probation for a 2005 DUI conviction. Newport Beach police officers found Keough, 52, drinking at the Fashion Island Marriott hotel after concerned hotel staff called authorities. Under the terms of his probation, Keough was forbidden to consume any alcohol. In 2005, he pled guilty in Orange County Superior Court to driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more causing injury.

To help reduce the number of Orange County car accidents in the city, Newport Beach has adopted a “No Tolerance for DUI Offenders” policy through education and enforcement. The City Council assigned a police vehicle and police officers to enforce DUI driving, speed and red-light violations. The enforcement and education efforts include a variety of measures implemented throughout the city. Among these were sobriety checkpoints and DUI patrols. These proactive efforts are designed to reduce the number of car collisions , personal injuries and car collision fatalities in the city.

In January 2009, Newport Beach Police conducted 31 field sobriety tests and arrested 13 suspected of driving under the influence–including one juvenile–at a DUI checkpoint in Newport Beach. Nearly 800 vehicles passed through the checkpoint on northbound Jamboree Road lanes at Santa Barbara Drive. Police also issued six tickets for various offenses, including citations for driving without a seat belt to driving with an expired license. Fourteen vehicles were impounded and towed away.

Those who drive under the influence in Newport Beach are a danger to themselves and others. Repeat offenders should seek intervention or counseling to address their problem with alcohol–before they get into a fatal car accident.

Since their founding in 1978, Bisnar Chase lawyers have represented over four thousand people in car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian and other personal injury cases. The law firm has an “AV” rating, the highest level of professional excellence, by Martindale-Hubble. John Bisnar, who is the author of this article, and his partner Brian Chase each have a “10″ Avvo rating, the highest possible. John was named a “Community Hero” by the United Way, while Brian was named a “Trial Lawyer of the Year” in 2004 and one of the 2007 Top 100 Trial Lawyers. More important than all their top ratings and awards are the testimonials their clients bestow on them. Aren’t these the type of guys you want representing you? For more information on Newport Beach car accident attorneys, visit the Bisnar Chase web site at http://www.bestattorney.com or call 1-800-561-4887. Copyright 2009 Bisnar Chase LLP. All Rights Reserved.

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