A few weeks into November, the number of DUIs in Piedmont has surpassed last year’s total from, 43 to 47.
“Some nights we get two DUIs, but as of now it’s almost on a weekly basis,” Piedmont Police Officer Hugo Diaz said. ”At this point already we have passed last year’s amount of DUIs, and it’s only 12 days into November, so still a month and a half to go.”
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Nov. 1 through Jan. 1 is the most dangerous time of the year on our nation’s roadways.
This year in Piedmont all DUIs have come from drivers over 21.
“Every person driving while impaired that we have seen has been an adult, so no minors which is great,” Diaz said.
Junior Diego Hurwitz said that as a young driver he wants to do his part in being a safe driver by never drinking and driving, and making sure others do the same.
“I just want to do my part and keep the roads safe. Easiest way to do that is to never drink and drive. And I am gonna ensure that no one else does, not only to protect them from an accident, but anybody else on the road,” Hurwitz said.
People tend to take the risk of driving under the influence because they don’t understand the consequences associated with their decision.
“I would say that people take the risk because they assume there isn’t really a risk,” Hurwitz said. “Young drivers are full of false confidence and believe they are capable of driving under the influence perfectly fine, but they could end up hurting themselves and others.”
Senior Lila Rosen said people like the convenience of being able to drive where they want and when they want regardless of their mental state.
“The idea that these drivers are invincible while under the influence also gets reinforced every time they do it and end up being OK,” Rosen said.
Hurwitz said peer pressure is another factor that causes drivers, especially young ones, to drive under the influence.
“Peer pressure plays a big role in some situations. If someone needed a ride and was asking you for a ride and you had been drinking, you ignore the fact that you are under the influence and decide to give people a ride anyways,” Hurwitz said.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, they found the number of motor vehicle crash traumas decreased by 38.9 percent because of rideshares.
“If you are going to go out and you know there is alcohol, figure out how you are going to get home. Paying for an Uber is much cheaper than getting a DUI, or if you have to call someone to pick you up,” Diaz said.
Piedmont resident and parent Jane Violich said that as a parent, she informed her children early in their life about the dangers of driving under the influence, and continues to remind them.
“I think it’s best to talk to your kids about the topic, making sure they know that you are there for them if something happens, or make sure that they have Uber or Lyft if they would be more comfortable with that,” Violich said.
Piedmont parent and resident Peter Violich said it’s as simple as not drinking while driving
“A DUI is a really expensive thing, so the idea of Ubering while you are intoxicated is great,” he said. “The math cancels out really easily, because the cost of something happening is way too great, for example spending a night in jail or even death.”
Hurwitz said that everyone needs to be aware about driving under the influence, and how the amount of DUIs in Piedmont have increased.
“I think one of the most important things right now is increasing awareness about the high amount of DUIs this year, especially now since it’s the holiday season,” Hurwitz said. “When everyone heard [ about the car crash last Nov.] that unfortunately led to lives being lost, it made not only me more conscious and careful about whose car I was getting into, but also everybody I know.”
Diaz said that driving under the influence puts everybody at risk, and people have to remember it’s not just their lifes at stake, but also everybody else on the road.
“There are innocent people walking around, other people driving, or you have others in the car, so it could hurt your future and others around you,” Diaz said.
