Cost of Drinking Adds Up

David W. Ryan, a judge of the San Diego Municipal Court, reports that, beginning Jan. 1, the penalty assessments for a first drunk-driving conviction are more than the fine itself.

Vehicle Code Section 23152a fixes the fine for a first offense as not less than $300 or more than $1,000. He reports the minimum fine and penalty assessments are as follows:

The arresting agency $280

The county laboratory fee 40

County alcohol programs 50

Alcohol abuse program 8

The drinking driver’s school fee 12

The County DUI Restitution Fund 20

Night Court Assessment Fund 1

Surcharge for courthouse construction and criminal facilities fund 156

Penalty assessment for various state training programs and activities 371

TOTAL:$938

And that is not all. Add to this the $100 to $200 you will probably have to pay to a private drinking driver’s school for tuition, an attorney’s fee, and an increase in your insurance premiums for three to five years. Police agencies have begun to add an emergency charge of $1,000 for accident cases.

The cost of an evening’s pleasure can easily run between $5,000 and $10,000 if you figure in all the costs.

So, once again, it’s not the initial cost of the drinking that breaks the bank, but the upkeep.

If you must drink, don’t drive.

As a reminder of the cost of a drunk-driving conviction, post a copy of the above schedule on the mirror in your bedroom. It may save you a bundle--and a life.

ALBERT J. CORSKE

Oceanside