Harmon reports that 2006 saw 245 DUI arrests a number that reflects increased enforcements states Harmon. Officer Harmon also states that several of the new laws now in effect are aimed at bringing these numbers down. Harmon states the a new DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE law will impact drivers under the UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE. The law is now  zero-tolerance and has taken under age drinking and driving from being a civil crime to one with a criminal penalty.  It is now a criminal offense for drivers under 21 to get behind the wheel with any measurable amount (.01%) of alcohol in their system states Harmon. 

Also a new EMERGENCY VEHICLES law will impact how we drive past emergency equipment on a roadway.  The move over, slow down law creates the definition of an “emergency incident zone” and prohibits the operation of a vehicle in an unsafe manner within the zone states Harmon. An “emergency incident zone” is considered an area on the freeway, within 500 feet and in the direction of travel of a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle with its lights activated. Harmon states that  “when our officers or other emergency personnel are out on the freeway, it’s very dangerous and important for the public to pay attention.  This law is intended to say…if you see lights, you need to pay attention and drive safely because we’re losing way too many officers and emergency responders because people are not driving in a safe manner around those emergency responders.”

It is also now unlawful to have a passenger stowed in the trunk of your car. Although previous law did not permit a person to ride any place in a vehicle that was not intended for passengers use (does not have a seat belt), this new law specifically says a driver can not knowingly allow someone to ride in their trunk.  It also prohibits someone from riding in the trunk.  In other words, both the driver and person in the trunk can be cited.

As of January 1, 2007 if a person is convicted of reckless driving or a speed contest, and causes specified injuries,  prosecutors can seek felony charges.  The only time they’d go for it before was if the driver responsible had a prior conviction for reckless driving or speed contests and caused great bodily injury.

Another big change for commercial traffic according to Harmon is that California law enforcement now has the authority to enforce federal requirements for trucks coming in from Mexico.  It also deals with the loads are secured. 

Bottom line says Harmon… it’s going to make transportation safer with uniform enforcement. Also, something we rarely saw in the county is now happening more often, the high speed pursuit. Now says Harmon If a person drives on the wrong side of the roadway while attempting to evade a pursuing peace officer, there’s now a specific prohibition with specific penalties for driving against traffic. And another law states Harmon, states that if a driver violates the rules of the road and, as a result causes a collision that injures someone, they can be charged with unsafe operation of a motor vehicle and are subject to additional penalties.