It seems Santa Clarita Valley drivers and even those visiting the Santa Clarita Valley just aren’t getting the message about the importance of not driving under the influence (DUI).  Impaired driving arrests continue to account for about half the arrests made in the area each month, according to law enforcement records.  In fact, by July of this year, 100 people were charged with a DUI in Santa Clarita.
Traffic Sergeant Rich Cohen indicated that in most cases he doesn’t think people believe drinking will impair their driving ability.
“I don’t think people who drink think that it’s really going to impair their ability to drive,” Cohen said.  “They don’t realize the problem it causes until they crash or they hurt one of their passengers or someone else.”
So, as you head out this holiday season, keep this in mind: a taxi cab ride from Stevenson Ranch (The Old Road) to Sand Canyon (which is for all intents and purposes is about the longest commute in our community), is a little more than $52 according to the web site WorldTaxiMeter.com.
A DUI, which can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the incident and the number of occurrences, comes with an average of $10,000 in fines and penalties.  Typical DUI costs include: bail, towing, insurance fees, legal fees, fines, alcohol evaluations, and a license reinstatement fee.  In addition to these costs, life insurance premiums can rise and the convicted may experience a loss of pay due to not being able to drive, or loss of employment altogether as a result of the conviction.
However, the biggest effect of a DUI is often the stigma associated with the conviction.  While it only takes two drinks to put you over the legal limit, the stereotype of being a driver with a DUI is something that is challenging to move past socially and professionally.
So while the cost of a DUI may be something you can move past financially, the social implications are often long-lasting and can cause life-long turmoil. The bottom line is this: it is simply not worth it to drink and drive. So before you head out to a holiday party or evening with family and friends, remember to designate a driver or grab a little extra cash and a few phone numbers for cab companies.  A little pre-planning on your part will yield a big payoff in the end, because you arriving home safe is priceless any time of year.
This message is brought to you by the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, which will be out in force with additional DUI checkpoints across the community this holiday season.
The following cab companies offer service throughout the Santa Clarita Valley: Yellow Cab of Santa Clarita at 661-260-2227; Taxi of AV and Santa Clarita at 661-940-9999; and United Taxi of Santa Clarita at 661-255-0800.