November 13, 2014

Now that the holiday season is upon us, the importance of driver safety is all the more important. Not only are more people on the road during November and December, visiting family and friends across the state, but the Ventura County police department will be out in full force to stop people from driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the holidays are a dangerous time throughout the country for drunk driving crashes. In an effort to prevent accidents before they happen, the Ventura County police department will increase the number of DUI and driver's license checkpoints in the county as well as saturation patrols.

In the event that you find yourself approaching a checkpoint this year, it's important to remember the following:

• Do not make a sudden U-turn to avoid a DUI checkpoint. Police officers are often posted in numerous locations to catch drivers purposely leaving a checkpoint. However, law enforcement is generally required to give you sufficient notice that a checkpoint is ahead in order to allow you to opt out by making a legal turn onto an alternate street prior to the checkpoint.
• If you are stopped at a check point or on a saturation patrol, remember to speak only when spoken to and respond politely.
• You have the right to refuse to take a roadside breath test known as a PAS test but you must submit to an actual chemical test such as an evidentiary breath test or a blood test ; otherwise your license may be revoked for at least a year.
• If you are arrested, contact an experienced Ventura County drunk driving lawyer as soon as you can.

Criminal defense Attorney Daniel E. Kann and his dedicated team at The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann advise everyone to make safe decisions this holiday season. Please contact us if you have questions about a DUI arrest in Ventura County.