Prevention Key to Stopping DUI

* In response to Dana Parsons’ call for outrage over repeat drunk drivers, we are writing to say, enough is enough! There are solutions that the community can reach by working together to combat DUI.

Parsons accurately laid out the argument against tolerating driving under the influence. We, as a community, should no longer be held hostage by those who choose to get behind the wheel while under the influence. While methods that focus on repeat intoxicated drivers have been effective, it is imperative that we practice strategies that will prevent anyone from driving under the influence in the first place.

The Willard Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Policy Coalition, in conjunction with other community agencies in Santa Ana, focuses on developing public policies that will curb DUI. We urge the city to adopt ordinances such as one that will require all servers of alcohol to attend Responsible Beverage Service training. Servers who attend this training learn how to pace alcohol service to patrons, to identify and deal with intoxicated persons, and to properly check identifications.

Furthermore, the media play an important role in raising awareness the dangers of DUI. The media can help publicize DUI checkpoints and thus deter people from driving under the influence. Santa Ana Police Department has conducted several successful DUI checkpoint operations when working in cooperation with the media.

In addition to self-control and good judgment, we believe that a comprehensive approach that also includes proactive initiatives would be much more effective in dealing with DUI.

There are many of us in the community who are outraged over intoxicated drivers. We look forward to working with other agencies and individuals who are concerned with problems of DUI in their communities.

TRANG DOAN

Willard ATOD Policy Coalition