Sheriff Don Barnes | Official website of Orange County
Sheriff Don Barnes | Official website of Orange County
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be present at the OC Fairgrounds – Sublime Concert to educate attendees on monitoring their alcohol intake through the “Know Your Limit” program.
The initiative aims to increase awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and how little alcohol it takes to reach the legal limit for operating a vehicle. In California, it is illegal for individuals aged 21 or older to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.
The campaign will run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. During this period, deputies will engage concertgoers by asking how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe it is safe for them to drive. Volunteers will be invited to take a breathalyzer test to compare their estimated BAC with actual readings. Deputies will also provide information on how alcohol impacts driving abilities and outline the consequences of a DUI.
“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” said Sergeant Kyle Ishii. “It only takes a single drink to impair, and that’s why it is important people know their limit.”
Several factors influence an individual's BAC, including height, weight, food intake, drug or medication use, and drinking duration. According to the California Driver Handbook, consuming two drinks within one hour can put a woman weighing between 120-160 pounds over the legal limit; for men weighing between 180-220 pounds, three drinks can have the same effect. One drink equates to 1.5 oz of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz of beer (4.5% alcohol), or a 5 oz glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC decreases by .01% every 40 minutes between drinks.
A first-time DUI offense can cost approximately $13,500 due to vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, increased auto insurance rates, and other penalties. To avoid these risks and ensure safety on the roads, individuals are encouraged to plan ahead by designating a sober driver.
Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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