Drunken Driving Problem Grows in Wine Country

The problem of drunken driving has surged in Southwest Riverside County lately, especially in Wine Country.

In 2011, six driving under the influence-related homicide cases were filed in Southwest Riverside County, along with 64 other felony and 2,505 misdemeanor driving under the influence cases, according to John Hall, a spokesperson for the District Attorney's office.

In 2010, one driving under the influence murder case was filed. Exactly how many occured in Wine Country was unavailable today.

The growing problem won the District Attorney's Office a grant to prosecute these crimes, Hall said.

A $360,000 grant awarded to the DA today for the prosecution of drunken driving cases resulting in injury or death was approved today by a 4-0 vote of the during a meeting at the .

The District Attorney's Office sought the funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety to establish a specialized unit in its southwest office. According to District Attorney's Office documents, Deputy District Attorney David Tahan, with the help of senior District Attorney's Office Investigator Joseph Cristinziani, will lead the unit, handling all felony driving under the influence cases filed in the region.

Grant funds will also support educational programs that emphasize the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including "Every 15 Minutes'' seminars held at high schools and talks hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Chairman John Tavaglione was absent for the vote.