DUI Educational Program
In an effort to reduce violations and collisions before they occur, the Department continues its focus on education as part of its overall traffic safety plan. The traffic bureau established partnerships with community-based organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) local school districts and various civic groups.
DUI education programs include “Reality Check Scenarios” and “Every 15 minutes Operations,” which are live Theatrical Plays. The Traffic Bureau partnered with M.A.D.D. and spearheaded a community-wide effort to have our own impaired driver crashed car exhibit.
This crashed car exhibit was the first in the nation to be built solely with community donations and display a DUI victim’s vehicle instead of a suspect’s or rely on government grants. The $ 50,000 dollar trailer is shown at local schools, public events, and most DUI checkpoint operations. The trailer is a highly sought after educational tool by valley agencies and is in constant demand by valley agencies.
The bureau also took over the court sanctioned, first time DUI offender program with the appropriately named “Scared Stiff.” The class room instruction for first time DUI offenders has a number of dynamic speakers who let them know the real cost of a DUI. In May of 2008, an audit of the class was done. With over 2,000 students have attended the instruction, only 42 have been re-arrested for impaired driving!
A seat belt restraint system was not used in 42% of fatal collisions in 2003, and has been reduced to 22% in 2007. Taking a few seconds to buckle up is one of the most important things a person can do to save lives. The Fresno Police Department has also established effective educational and enforcement campaigns to help educate the public on this concept. As a result, the City of Fresno has posted a record high 96% seat belt compliance rate, well above the national average of 83%.