South OC Times

On Sunday, August 11, 2024, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies at the Rancho Santa Margarita Summer Concert Series to educate the public on monitoring their alcohol intake and understanding their limits.

The “Know Your Limit” program aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, emphasizing how little 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 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Summer Concert Series in Rancho Santa Margarita. During this period, deputies will engage patrons by asking how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe it is safe to drive. Volunteers will be invited to take a breathalyzer test to compare their estimated BAC with actual results. Deputies will also provide information on how alcohol affects 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,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “It only takes a single drink to impair, and that’s why it is important people know their limit.”

Factors such as height, weight, food intake, drug or medication use, and drinking duration all influence BAC levels. According to the California Driver Handbook, 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, it takes three drinks within an hour. One drink is defined as 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol), or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). BAC decreases by .01% every 40 minutes between drinks.

A first-time DUI offense costs approximately $13,500 due to vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, increased auto insurance premiums, and other penalties. To avoid these risks, individuals are encouraged to plan ahead and designate 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.