Tuesday, November 23, 2010

City of Huntington Beach to post DUI arrests on Facebook?

The local newspaper in Huntington Beach has stopped posting the names of DUI suspects. Now the police department is considering posting the names of those arrested for DUI on the city's Facebook page.

The intention behind the idea is to make people think twice about getting behind the wheel after drinking. The city is hoping that the public humiliation will convince you to call a taxi.

The Los Angeles Times reports, "A July report by the city said there is "a significant DUI problem in Huntington Beach," citing 274 alcohol-related collisions and 1,687 drunk-driving arrests last year — one of the highest rates in the state for a city its size."

What do you think about this new idea to cut down on drinking and driving? After all DUI arrest records are public information, but do they have to the right to broadcast it on its social media page like an advertisement?

1 comments:

  1. Posting the names of those who get DUI's is not a way to stop the problem. This is an after the fact prevention. Once someone gets a DUI the public humiliation already exists. They have to ask for rides, take the bus, and borrow money; from their closest friends and family. They already know of public humiliation when they get behind the wheel.

    I believe one of the biggest reasons people drive from HB is the parking issues. Although it would be cheaper to take a limo round trip to a room at a five star resort then the cost of a DUI; most are concerned with the present costs. Believing if they leave their car it may get towed or have a huge overnight parking bill. Personally I always look for parking where I can leave my car for the night if needed. Maybe if the downtown parking structure or meters allowed would be drunk drivers to leave their car without significant costs, may be a way to detour DUI’s.

    I think the city and its residents needs to consider other practicable solutions if they want to fix the problem. Please post any other pre-DUI detouring Ideas.

    R.P. Alvarez
    Proud HB Resident

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