California counties with the lowest DUI arrest rates — Lassen ranked No. 8
A new study by criminal defense lawyers at Simmrin Law Group identifies California counties with the lowest DUI arrest rates.
The research analyzed data from the California DMV’s DUI Management Information System to calculate DUI arrest rates between 2016 and 2020 to determine counties with the lowest and most consistent sobriety among drivers. By normalizing the data per capita (average number of licensed drivers in each county), the study reveals the areas most effective in reducing drunk driving incidents.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Simmrin Law Group commented: “Counties like San Francisco, Santa Clara and Contra Costa demonstrate exceptionally low DUI arrest rates, significantly below the statewide average of 683. This shows that better law enforcement, effective public awareness campaigns and strong community support are making a big difference in encouraging people to drive sober.
“Drivers are urged to maintain their responsible driving habits and use public transportation options whenever possible to help ensure California roads remain safe for everyone.”
San Francisco County leads the rankings with a DUI arrest rate of 149 per 100,000 drivers, which is 78 percent below California’s statewide average of 683. From 2016 to 2020, the county recorded a total of 886 DUI arrests among an average of 594,187.5 licensed drivers.
Holding the second spot, Santa Clara County exhibits a DUI arrest rate of 281 per 100,000 drivers, marking a 59 percent reduction compared to the state average of 683. Between 2016 and 2020, Santa Clara reported 3,922 DUI arrests across an average of 1,398,251 licensed drivers.
Contra Costa County ranks third, experiencing a DUI arrest rate of 314 per 100,000 drivers – 54 percent lower compared to the statewide average of 683. Between the years 2016 and 2020, Contra Costa reported 2,579.6 DUI arrests among the average of 820,582.75 licensed drivers.
Los Angeles County comes in fourth with a DUI arrest rate of 353 per 100,000 drivers, reflecting a 48 percent decrease from the statewide average of 683. The county supported this positive trend with 23,583 DUI arrests between 2016 and 2020 among 6,679,650.75 licensed drivers.
Placer County secures the fifth spot, reporting a DUI arrest rate of 377 per 100,000 drivers – 45% lower than the statewide average of 683. From 2016 to 2020, Placer recorded a total of 1,130 DUI arrests among an average of 299,540 licensed drivers.
San Diego County stands sixth, with a DUI arrest rate of 379 per 100,000 drivers, 44 percent below the statewide average of 683. Between 2016 and 2020, San Diego documented 8,993 DUI arrests among 2,374,736.25 licensed drivers.
Sacramento County is seventh, featuring a DUI arrest rate of 385 per 100,000 drivers – 44 percent below the statewide average. From 2016 to 2020, Sacramento reported 4,011 DUI arrests among an average of 1,040,460.75 licensed drivers.
San Mateo County ranks eighth, exhibiting a DUI arrest rate of 391 per 100,000 drivers, 43 percent lower than the statewide average of 683. The county accounted for 2,181 DUI arrests between 2016 and 2020 among an average of 557,893 licensed drivers.
Yolo County holds the ninth position, with a DUI arrest rate of 393 per 100,000 drivers – 42 percent below the statewide average. Between 2016 and 2020, Yolo reported 548.2 DUI arrests among 139,433 licensed drivers.
Alameda County completes the top 10, featuring a DUI arrest rate of 425 per 100,000 drivers, 38 percent lower than the statewide average of 683. From 2016 to 2020, Alameda recorded 4,839.4 DUI arrests among an average of 1,139,275.5 licensed drivers.
simmrinlawgroup.com, Special to LassenNews.com
