According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, it is believed that nearly 8 percent of fatal alcohol-related accidents are caused by repeat DUI offenders. Last year in California, 791 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents. This number has been declining due to increased public awareness and law enforcement.

The H2O Unit arrested 104 of the nearly 500 offenders that they had been monitoring last year. Just in the Valley this year, there have been 962 DUI accidents with four people killed. In 2010, there were 985 crashes with four people killed.

It is estimated that over 300,000 Californians have been convicted of three or more DUI offenses and more than 40,000 are driving around with over five convictions.

Deputy city attorney Rick Schmidt said, “When you find someone who has multiple prior convictions, it’s an indication that they’re driving drunk regularly. And it poses a significant risk to the public.”

The H2O Unit was formed in 2004 in an effort to target repeat offenders who are still driving while their driving privileges are suspended. Prior to this, judges would have their bailiffs follow the offenders out to make sure they didn’t get behind the wheel.

It is hoped that arresting these repeat offenders for driving with a suspended license can make them stop and think every time they want to drive and make the right decision not to.

They are also reminding parents to adhere to some rules of thumb while out and about this Oct. 31.

• Urge children to use common sense.
• Remind children they are not to enter the home of a stranger.
• Have kids stick to trick-or-treating in neighborhoods they know.
• Ensure that costumes are visible in the dark so that passenger vehicles can see them.  Reflective tape and/or using glow sticks can help drivers see children as they dart around the street.

If your adult fun included alcohol, be wise; do not drink and drive. Not only will police throughout California be out in force all weekend, but drunk driving can be deadly. So, be safe:

• If you’re going out drinking, plan ahead how you will get home
• Have a designated driver
• If someone your with has been drinking, contact friends or family, or call for a cab
• Never let an intoxicated person drive themselves home, even just around the corner.

If you or someone you know does get arrested for a DUI, you may not need bail. This varies based on the jurisdiction and the circumstances. If you call us, we will provide you help based on your specific circumstances for any California jail. (Our number is 1-888-224-5266; it’s easy enough to remember from the drunk tank: 888-BAIL-BOND; 8+8+8=BAIL BONDS 24 Hours!)

McDonald, 25, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol in San Mateo County on Saturday evening. He was booked and released one and a half hours later from San Mateo County Jail located in Redwood City.

McDonald gave a brief statement to reporters saying his lawyer advised him not to speak about the case. He stated, “I just want to let you all know that whenever it works itself out, you’ll know everything that’s going on.” He further stated, “I just want to apologize for making this a distraction because that’s not my intent. My intent is to come out here and work hard and try to win ballgames this year.”

A team spokesman commented on McDonald’s arrest saying, “We take these issues very seriously but will reserve further comment at this time, as this is an ongoing legal matter.”

In 2007, McDonald was drafted from Florida in a third-round draft pick. Last season, McDonald’s record as a defensive tackle in pass-rush situations included 29 tackles and three sacks.

His scheduled court date is for July 22.

Officials saw more than 1300 cars at the PCH checkpoint between 9:30 pm and 2:30 am, which has led to the arrest of 11 drivers suspected of DUI. Additionally, there were three criminal arrests, 5 cited for driving without a license or suspended licenses.

The Huntington Beach Police also held a checkpoint on Adams Avenue, west of Brookhurst Street. Over 500 vehicles were screened and 3 people were arrested there for DUI.

Costa Mesa Police have also set up a checkpoint at the intersection of Baker and Bear Streets. There, 318 cars were screened. Three people were arrested on suspician of driving under the influence and 9 citations were issued. Six of those vehicles were impounded.

Sgt. David Makiyama, a police spokesperson stated, “The goal of the DUI checkpoint was removing impaired drivers and to bring awareness to the public of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.”

These recent checkpoints yell out clearly the need for people to “raise their awareness.” Drinking and driving is not taken lightly by the law.

So even when someone is thinking, “it’s just one little drink”… if later arrested for DUI, they definitely won’t be thinking, “it’s just one little night in jail.” Will they?

According to a news release by the Folsom Police Department, this arrest was Palodino’s fourth for DUI, and his sixth arrest for alcohol-related offenses in the last three years. .35 is surgical anesthesia! .30 he should be passed out. No wonder he ignored lights and sirens before pulling into his garage. Can you say, “Lucky to be alive?”

A woman reported that a man tried to deliver groceries to her home that appeared to be drunk.  Paladino was suppose to be delivering groceries to his ex-wife and ended up going to the wrong house.  The woman reported the incident to police dispatchers and told them he appeared to be extremely tipsy.  She also gave police a license plate number and the type of vehicle he was driving. (Thank you, maam!)

 Jason Wahler former realty star was reportedly arrested a sixth time for drunk driving by the Newport Beach Police Department, last Friday evening. The reality star was stopped and handcuffed by police around 11:00 p.m. on March 20, 2010, but he was released without bail on his own recognizance (“O.R.”) hours later. While an “O.R.” is common for driving under the influence, more often repeat offenders will need bail.

Wahler is no stranger to skirmishes with the law. Last week, in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, he allegedly started a fight in a nightclub and was led out of the establishment by Mexican Police on March 11. Video of the incident has since surfaced on YouTube. Jason was released seven hours after being locked up.

Wahler has attended rehab and he openly admits to having a problem. Just hours after being released from custody, the Beverly Hills bad boy made a statement about his most recent arrest on Twitter. “Thank you for your support,” he tweeted. “But please respect my privacy as this is a personal matter: no need to bombard my parents with phone calls 24/7!“

This year, the California Highway Patrol was especially busy on LA’s freeways, having made 236 DUI arrests as compared to the 158 they made last year between 6:01 p.m. Christmas Eve and 6 a.m. Sunday. Miraculously, no fatalities were reported (four occurred during the 2008 holiday week).

Meanwhile, in other Southern California counties, “business” continued to be equally brisk.  The Orange County CHP made 22 DUI arrests — the same as last year, but no fatalities were reported. In San Diego, the CHP reported 38 DUI arrests and 2 fatalities, as compared to 27 arrests last year.

In the entire state, 16 people have died in alcohol related traffic accidents, matching exactly the number of fatalities reported in 2008. Law enforcement officials will be conducting more anti-DUI round ups in nearly every city in Los Angeles County around the New Year’s holiday, through to Jan. 3, 2010.

AVOID, which studies DUI numbers, would like to remind drivers that the year-end holiday period is one of the deadliest times to be out on the road.  They encourage the public to report any drunk drivers they see by calling 911.

The AVOID campaign is funded by a California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant.

After the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol in his vehicle, they requested he take a breathalyzer test.  The South American basketball star didn’t have much to say after that. He was booked into jail on DUI charges and released from a Sacramento jail early Thursday morning on bail.

Upon the 29-year-old Argentinan star’s release, he issued an apology stating, “I want to apologize to the Kings organization, my teammates, my coaches, the fans, the city of Sacramento and my family…  Drinking and driving is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. I made a mistake and I’m very sorry for my lapse in judgement.”

The Kings basketball president of operations, Geoff Petrie, stated, “We will wait for the outcome of the judicial process and the NBA’s decision on potential fines and-or suspension.”

In 379 career games over six seasons, Nocioni’s average has been 11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds. Let’s stand by and see how Nocioni rebounds from this sports career setback.

Stephanie attended  Holly Montag’s 26th birthday party at one of Hollywood’s trendy night clubs. Allegedly, she was driving home at 3:45 am when she was apprehended.

For those of you who keep up with our celebrity arrest blogs, you’ll recall  that Jason Wahler, another star from “The Hills” was arrested earlier this month in Yakima County for assault and drinking charges.

Beverly Hills Judge, Marsha Revel ordered Ms. Lohan to appear in Court because someone spilled the beans, telling the judge Lindsay had been missing her meetings.  According to her attorney, Lindsay has attended approximately 1/2  of the mandated sessions, but that her blooming career has kept her from attending the full schedule of compulsory alcohol rehab.

The judge stated Lindsay should not ”thumb your nose at the court… This is the last time we are going to be talking about re-enrolling and doing what you need to do… This has to be top priority… Would love to congratulate you rather than admonish you.”

Lindsay still has a busy work schedule. She will attend a charity event in New York soon.  However,  the judge cautioned her against traveling beyond 21 days which would cause her to miss  any of her meetings. Stating, “anytime you request a leave of absence for more than 21 days, you must get court approval… if you don’t do that, the deputy district attorney will be asking for jail time.”

In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how Lindsay plays her role… in real life.