California Drunk Driver Accidentally Said They Were ‘The DUI’ Instead of ‘The DD’

A routine traffic stop in Southern California on New Year’s Eve took a turn when a driver, pulled over for alleged swerving, unintentionally gave officers the wrong response. Caught on police body camera footage, the man declared, “I’m the DUI tonight,” apparently intending to say, “I’m the designated driver.”

Driver's Mix-Up Sparks Sobering Reality Check

The incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. in Riverside County. During the exchange, the officer sought clarification, asking, “You’re the DUI tonight?” The driver replied, “Yes, sir,” before realizing the mix-up. “Do you mean to say the DD?” the officer asked, referencing the term for “designated driver.”
The driver admitted to consuming beer and Champagne two hours earlier. Moments later, the video showed him struggling through a field sobriety test, losing balance multiple times. He was ultimately arrested and booked for driving under the influence (DUI).

The Video:

Holiday Patrols Aim to Prevent Tragedies on the Roads

The Murrieta Police Department shared the footage as a reminder of the importance of sober driving, particularly during the holiday season. The department highlighted its efforts to deter impaired driving, including specialized DUI patrols and checkpoints. Officers trained in recognizing and investigating impairment are a key part of the department’s strategy to enhance road safety.

Sobering Statistics: The Toll of Drunk Driving in the U.S.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving remains a serious problem in the United States. In 2022 alone, alcohol-impaired crashes claimed 13,524 lives—about 32% of all traffic fatalities. Tragically, an average of 37 people die daily in drunk-driving incidents, equating to one death every 39 minutes.
The NHTSA emphasized the devastating consequences of impaired driving, urging people to plan ahead. “Driving after drinking is deadly,” the agency said in a statement. “If you drive while impaired, you could get arrested, or worse—cause a crash that results in serious injury or death.”

As part of its ongoing effort to reduce impaired driving, the NHTSA recently launched its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman encouraged everyone to take personal responsibility this holiday season. “Plan a safe and sober ride home,” she said. “Let’s make this holiday season memorable for all the right reasons.”