New! Episode 51: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Youth Prevention
Description: Discussion on problem of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and/or drugs (DUID) and the education and prevention efforts among youth – focusing mostly on teenagers.
Show Notes: Judge Curtis Fiorini, Deputy District Attorney Stefanie Mahaffey, CEO Angela Webb of Arrive Alive, California and CHP Officer Travis Herbert discuss the issue of DUI/DUID and efforts to educate and prevent teenagers from becoming offenders or victims.
They start by talking about the problem of DUI/DUID in the Sacramento community. In 2020, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office filed 263 felony and 3,954 misdemeanor DUI/DUID cases. Stefanie states the case rates are tracking the same in 2021 and so far in 2022.
The group then shares the specific challenges of DUI/DUID among youth. Officer Herbert details what he and other CHP officers observe with youth who are under the influence and how it affects them more profoundly than adults.
The discussion turns to the importance of reaching teenagers, and younger kids, early on to educate them about DUI issues. Angela then explains what the “Real DUI Court in Schools” program. Judge Fiorini and Stefanie talk about how they are involved in the program? The group shares the feedback they receive and their thoughts/insights into the program. Officer Herbert talks about additional youth DUI/DUID programs the CHP holds, including “Every 15 Minutes.”
All participants close the discussion by giving parents/guardians advice and resources to help prevent their teenagers from driving under the influence or getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
RESOURCES: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at MADD.org
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Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, DUI, DUID, Youth Offenders, Arrive Alive, California Highway Patrol, CHP, Office of Traffic Safety, OTS, MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving