LEGISLATION PROPOSES TO BAN OPEN CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOL

SACRAMENTO -- Open containers of alcohol would be banned for off-highway
vehicles at the Oceano Dunes and other State Vehicle Recreation Areas under
legislation proposed by state Sen. Jack O'Connell, D-San Luis Obispo.

O'Connell said he was shocked to learn that most of the state's laws
regulating drinking and driving don't apply to off-highway vehicle users.

He believes youngsters operating all-terrain vehicles are especially at
risk in areas where other drivers might be impaired.

"Last year I had the opportunity to tour a local recreation area and I can
understand what the attraction is; you can definitely get an 'E-ticket'
ride," O'Connell said.

"I believe a disparity in the law can pose a serious danger to millions of
SVRA visitors, so I spent some time researching the issue and intend to
introduce legislation to remedy this potentially deadly situation."

Laws against driving under the influence of alcohol do apply to off-highway
vehicles, according to Steve Gorman, an Oceano SVRA park ranger.

However, extending the open container ban to off-highway vehicles would
contribute to the safety of the park.

"For the past 16 years, the state's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation
Division has done an admirable job of providing safe and attractive
recreation destinations, and has made thousands of DUI arrests in the
process," O'Connell said.

"However, the lack of this added enforcement tool is like a brick wall
preventing the park rangers from acting pro- actively to protect visitors
from those who drink and drive while impaired, but aren't yet over the
legal limit."

O'Connell said he plans to introduce the new measure within the next month,
after which it will be assigned to a Senate policy committee for hearings.