ORANGE COUNTY, California — The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays for motorists on our busy roadways, but as they are heading out to parties and beaches throughout the county the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has prepared for the revelry by stepping up its enforcement and cracking down on drunk drivers, according to a OCSD press release.

Last year during the Fourth of July weekend there were 69 people arrested for driving under the influence, an increase over the prior year, according to a report in the Orange County Register. Leobardo Montes, 43, of Santa Ana was killed and six others injured on July 4, 2011 and when his vehicle struck a light pole on the 55 connector to the 22 Freeway, the CHP reported.

The Sheriff’s Department will be out in full force starting today and into the weekend as many people will be taking much of the week off for the holiday, a department release said.

The department will have several DUI checkpoints throughout the county and will have a zero tolerance policy toward drunk drivers, the release said.

California DUI Statistics

In California there have been 791 fatalities as the result of drunk driving this year, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The report said 29 percent of all traffic deaths so far this year have been the result of a drunk driver.

The state currently ranks 21st in the country for DUI related accidents. The system starts its ranking at 1 which is the state with the lowest percentage DUI accidents to 51 (Washington D.C. included).

Although California is in the better half of the ranking system the state has some of the highest total number of DUI accidents because of the large population.

The number of DUI accidents is down by 14 percent compared to the previous year, the report said.

“Despite the enhanced enforcement measures by the Sheriff’s department there will still be many drunk drivers on the road this holiday,” said Attorney West Seegmiller, founder of the Seegmiller Law Firm. “Families should be able to enjoy the Independence Day holiday without having to worry about irresponsible people getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking.”

If you are driving home after a party or from watching a fireworks display remember to be extra cautious and report any drivers you believe are under the influence to the police, Seegmiller said.

For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients injured in serious traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers. Our legal team has also handled hundreds of wrongful death claims for families of victims killed by negligent drunk drivers. The law firm has a proven track record supported by settlements ranging from several thousand dollars to millions.

Seegmiller is a California Personal Injury Law Firm with a track record of proven results. There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.

n  Josh Francis