SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office received a $299,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for the “DUI/DUID Misdemeanor Prosecution, Education and Outreach” program. The program aims to reduce driving under the influence (DUI) and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) offenses.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Traffic data from 2020 to 2022 shows an increase in DUI-related crashes involving fatalities and injuries.  Sacramento County experienced a 94.44% increase in DUI-related traffic fatalities from 2020 to 2022 and a 13.11% increase in DUI-related injuries during that same period.

This grant funds a specialized prosecutor who will be responsible for misdemeanor DUI/DUID cases. The prosecutor will also mentor newly-appointed deputy district attorneys on the successful prosecution of DUI/DUID cases and conduct roundtable discussions and trainings for law enforcement agencies on new DUI/DUID laws and investigation techniques.

Another grant component is community outreach on DUI/DUID prevention.  The grant prosecutor will participate in several education programs for adults and youth, including the DA’s Citizens Academy and Youth Academy, as well as the Real DUI Court in Schools program hosted by Arrive Alive, CA.  Outreach will also include office podcasts on DUI/DUIDs and the distribution of informational materials to those charged with DUI/DUID offenses to prevent recidivism.

“Impaired driving remains a significant danger on our roads, particularly drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and drugs,” said Office of Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney. “This program will help prevent the tragic consequences of impaired driving and create safer roads for everyone.”

Said District Attorney Thien Ho, “Given the latest traffic data showing an increase in driving under the influence related crashes, it is essential we continue to focus on the prevention and prosecution of DUI offenses in Sacramento County. Partnering with OTS allows us to dedicate a specialized prosecutor to DUI cases and allows us more opportunity educate the community on DUIs, to hold DUI offenders accountable, and to prevent future DUI offenders and victims.”