WHAT: Ventura County DUI Prevention Summit

WHO: Supervisor Steve Bennett, Chair, County Board of Supervisors

Tina Pasco, Regional Director, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Dr. Javier Romero, Trauma Director, Ventura County Medical Center

Captain Cliff Williams, California Highway Patrol

Chief John Crombach, Oxnard Police Department, AVOID Campaign

WHEN: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, AT 8:15 A.M.

WHERE: VENTURA BEACH MARRIOTT HOTEL, 2055 HARBOR BLVD., VENTURA, CA

WHY:

· Recent local tragedies underscore the need for renewed efforts to prevent and deter impaired driving.

· More than 1,500 fatalities result from alcohol-related auto collisions in California each year.

· Alcohol is involved in the deaths of more youth than all other drugs combined – by a four-to-one ratio.

· Ventura County law enforcement, medical experts, and prevention professionals agree new push is needed.

· More than 700 DUI criminal cases are currently set for trial in Ventura County, with steady stream of arrests.

· More than one-third of DUI offenders 18 to 25 years of age reported taking their last drink in a bar or club.

· Nearly 45% of DUI arrests result from drinking at licensed bars, clubs and restaurant in Ventura County.

· In Ventura County persons 18-25 years old make up less than seven percent of the adult population, but they represent more than 25 percent of the DUI offenders.

· The number of young women convicted for DUI has risen in recent years, and females in Ventura County are more likely than males to report drinking shots and mixed drinks prior to their arrest.

Press Note: Location of news event is front parking lot near lobby entrance. Multiple emergency vehicles will be on location with uniformed personnel. Medical professionals, law enforcement, and elected officials will make comments during the event, which will feature a vehicle crash from an actual impaired driving incident (see MADD Trailer, attached). Visual info boards and agency reps will be featured, starting 8:15 a.m.