Because there are so many myths associated with "drunk driving," one must take much of what one reads with the proverbial "grain of salt."  True, drunk driving is dangerous and should never be attempted – no question there – but it helps little to exagerate the connection between drinking even small amounts of alcohol and traffic accidents.  Among other problems, statistics touted for the number of driving accidents caused by impaired driving often grossly overstate the alcohol connection by including any accident in which any involved driver had any measurable amount of blood alcohol – even where the level of alcohol was clearly too low to impair driving or where that driver was not the driver who actually caused the accident. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation gathers and publishes statistics on driving accidents and fatalities in the United States.  We provide here the 2006 DATA SUMMARY compiled from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and General Estimates System (GES), which presents useful information on the factors associated with dangerous accidents – if one remembers to read between the lines and pays attention to the footnotes. 

Following are links to other sites with additional DUI-related information and misinformation.

California DMV: Information on Drunk Driving

Information compiled by the Department of Motor Vehicles for those arrested for DUI.  Covers arrest, chemical tests, suspension of driver's license, DMV hearing, etc.  http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol.htm 

Alcohol: Problems and Solutions

Data, news and information on alcohol, drinking and health.  History and myths relating to alcohol consumption in United States.  Includes coverage of issues relating to DUI and drunk driving.  Site maintained by Professor David J. Hanson, Ph.D, State University of New York, Potsdam, N.Y.  http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/ 

NHTSA: Impaired Driving Division

The Impaired Driving Division at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeks to work cooperatively to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce traffic-related healthcare and economic costs resulting from impaired driving (alcohol and other drugs).  Information on DUI and DWI, largely from the law enforcement point of view.  http://stopimpaireddriving.org/ 

DUI / DWI Laws In Other Countries

Interesting information on other countries' DUI / DWI laws, attitudes and statistics, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/pub/DWIothercountries/dwiothercountries.html 

Alcohol Abuse Prevention: Some Serious Problems

Interesting and probably controversial examination of current organizations involved in anti-drunk-driving and anti-drinking lobbying and activities. http://www.alcoholfacts.org/ 

Other Legal Resources 

10 Rules for Dealing with Police

Courtesy of the Cato Institute and produced by Flex Your Rights, a 40-minute video that everyone should watch on how to deal effectively with the police--deflecting hostility and/or suspicion while asserting your constitutional rights.  March 24, 2010 premiere.  As the Washington Post notes, while the video may focus on traffic stops and police encounters in urban settings, "the legal and practical concepts in the film are valid and useful no matter who you are." http://www.cato.org/events/100212screening.html.

California Public Utilities Commission

State agency that regulates telecommunications and other utilities operating in California. Useful consumer protection and fraud information. http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc. 

Federal Trade Commission

The FTC is the federal agency charged with consumer protection. News of ongoing actions and investigations.  Consumer protection information.  http://www.ftc.gov.  

California State Attorney General

Legal news affecting California.  Information for consumers. Investigation of businesses engaged in crimes.  http://ag.ca.gov.  

San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association

Legal news, resources for litigation attorneys, and directory of San Francisco Bay Area litigators. http://www.sftla.org.

California Bar Association

Official organization of all lawyers licensed in California.  Legal news and resources for consumers and attorneys. http://www.calbar.ca.gov . 

Alameda County Bar Association

Membership organization of lawyers practicing in Alameda County.  Useful information for consumers and attorneys. http://www.acbanet.org.

Attorney Directory

Guide to lawyers by state and county, and area of practice.  http://www.lawyersguide.com .