SANTA ANA, Calif. – On August 16, 2026, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will host its 'Know Your Limit' educational campaign at the Dana Point Concert in the Park. The initiative, scheduled from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sea Terrace Park, is designed to educate concert patrons on the importance of monitoring their alcohol intake and understanding their personal limits to prevent impaired driving.
The 'Know Your Limit' program specifically aims to raise awareness about the dangers associated with drinking and driving. It offers an interactive method to illustrate how quickly an individual can reach or exceed the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit to operate a vehicle safely. Deputies will engage with patrons, asking them about the number of drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still capable of driving safely. Following these discussions, volunteers will be invited to take a breathalyzer test, allowing them to compare their perceived BAC with their actual reading. During these interactions, attendees will also receive information regarding typical alcohol intake and average BAC levels.
For anyone 21 years of age or older, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher. According to the California Driver Handbook, reaching this legal limit can occur relatively quickly. For example, a woman weighing between 120-160 pounds could exceed the .08% legal limit after consuming two standard drinks within one hour. For a man weighing between 180-220 pounds, three standard drinks consumed within the same timeframe could place them over the legal limit. The handbook defines one standard drink as 1.5 ounces of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 ounces of beer (4.5% alcohol), or a 5-ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol). It also notes that BAC levels decrease at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.
Sergeant Kyle Ishii stated that the program's goal is to help people "make smart decisions about how they get home." He emphasized the importance of individuals knowing their limit, noting that it only takes a few drinks to impair a person's abilities.
Beyond the safety risks, the financial consequences of a first-time DUI offense are significant, with an average cost estimated at approximately $13,500. This substantial figure accounts for various expenses, including vehicle impound fees, associated fines, attorney fees, considerable increases in auto insurance premiums, and other penalties. To avoid these severe repercussions and ensure public safety, the department advises individuals to plan ahead by designating a sober driver if they intend to consume alcohol.
Funding for the 'Know Your Limit' program is provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, which is administered through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
