The Words ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ Fall on Deaf Ears in Fresno

The Fresno Police Department says that it arrested 15 drivers for suspected DUI during a saturation patrol on Saturday.

That number might not seem high in a city with nearly 550,000 residents.

But the truth is, an inordinate number of Fresnans are driving while intoxicated or buzzed.

To date, Fresno PD has made 1,588 DUI arrests this year — a pace that if it continues would result in 2,382 arrests for 2023.

Last year, the department made 1,922 DUI arrests.

One can attribute part of the rise in DUI arrests to increased enforcement. But, if people don’t drive after drinking or indulging in drugs, they can’t be arrested for DUI.

Bottom line: Despite all the admonishments against driving while impaired, thousands of Fresnans continue to do so.

They do so knowing they could kill someone or themselves or a loved one.

They do so likely knowing a first-time DUI conviction results in an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and increased insurance premiums.

Next DUI Enforcement Coming Up

Fresno PD’s next DUI enforcement operation is scheduled for this coming Saturday.

If you get busted, don’t say you weren’t warned.