South Bay : Law Forces Drunk Drivers to Pay Costs in Accidents
From now on, drunk drivers in Lomita will have to pick up the city’s tab when they get into an accident.
The City Council recently approved a money-saving measure that places the cost of responding to a drunk-driving accident on the drunk, Lomita Mayor Lawson Pedigo said. Costs include sheriff’s and paramedics services, breath and blood-alcohol testing, towing and booking. Pedigo said the fees could reach as much as $1,000.
“We’re hoping that this will deter drunk driving,” Pedigo said. “Maybe if people are held more responsible for their actions they’ll take better actions.”
Pedigo said 14 drunk-driving accidents were reported in Lomita in 1995.
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