On August 16, 2026, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to host a public education event at the Dana Point Concert in the Park. The "Know Your Limit" campaign will take place from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sea Terrace Park. The initiative aims to inform concertgoers about the significance of monitoring alcohol consumption and understanding personal limits before driving.
The "Know Your Limit" program is designed to raise awareness regarding the hazards of impaired driving. It offers an interactive method for individuals to learn how quickly one can reach or exceed the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for operating a vehicle. Deputies will engage with patrons, inquiring about their number of consumed drinks and their self-assessment of driving safety. Volunteers will then be invited to use a breathalyzer to test their ability to estimate their own BAC levels. Attendees will also receive educational materials concerning alcohol intake and typical BAC readings. Under state law, it is illegal for anyone aged 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.
According to information provided in the California Driver Handbook, reaching a BAC of .08% or greater can occur for a woman weighing between 120 and 160 pounds after consuming two alcoholic drinks within one hour. For a man weighing between 180 and 220 pounds, this threshold is typically met after three drinks in the same timeframe. A standard drink is defined as 1.5 ounces of liquor at 40% alcohol, 12 ounces of beer at 4.5% alcohol, or a 5-ounce glass of wine at 12% alcohol. The handbook also states that an individual's BAC generally decreases at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.
Sergeant Kyle Ishii commented on the program's objectives, explaining that it aims to help people understand the effects of alcohol for making informed decisions about their travel home. He emphasized that it only takes "a few drinks" to impair, highlighting the importance of knowing one's limit.
The financial repercussions of a first-time DUI offense are significant, with an estimated average cost of approximately $13,500. This figure encompasses various expenses, including vehicle impound fees, fines, legal representation, increases in auto insurance premiums, and other penalties. The Sheriff's Department advises residents to plan ahead and avoid these substantial risks by designating a sober driver if they intend to consume alcohol.
Funding for the "Know Your Limit" program is made possible through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, which is administered via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
