Last Thursday, police officers investigated a car crash near Harvard Avenue and Coronado Street, according to the Irvine Police Department.
The driver, a 21-year-old woman from Huntington Beach, was suspected of inhaling nitrous oxide while driving and was arrested for DUI.
The IPD Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) are trained to find signs of drug use beyond just alcohol. This specialized training helps keep impaired drivers off the roads and ensures the safety of our community.
The 21-year-old Huntington Beach woman arrested for DUI after allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide while driving in Irvine may face several legal penalties under California law:
- DUI Charge: Driving under the influence of any drug, including inhalants like nitrous oxide, is a misdemeanor in California. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, probation, and possible jail time.
- Possession or Use of Nitrous Oxide for Intoxication: Under California Penal Code § 381b, possessing or being under the influence of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes is a misdemeanor. This can result in:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- A maximum fine of $1,000
- Possible probation, which may include drug education classes or community service
- Additional Charges: If the use of nitrous oxide led to a crash or endangered others, prosecutors may pursue enhanced penalties or additional charges such as reckless driving or endangerment.
Using nitrous oxide while driving poses serious dangers, both to the driver and the public:
- Impaired Judgment and Coordination: Nitrous oxide deprives the brain of oxygen, causing dizziness, euphoria, and impaired motor skills, which can severely affect driving ability.
- Loss of Consciousness: Inhaling large amounts can lead to fainting or blackouts, increasing the risk of collisions or fatal crashes.
- Rapid Onset and Elimination: The effects come on quickly and fade within minutes, making it hard for law enforcement to detect through standard toxicology tests
- Increased Crash Risk: Data from San Diego County shows a rise in DUI crashes and fatalities linked to nitrous oxide use, with 18 collisions and 3 deaths in just 11 months.
- Legal Consequences: Possession or use of nitrous oxide for intoxication is illegal in California and can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and jail time.
- Targeting Youth: Flavored and brightly packaged canisters are often marketed to young people, contributing to rising misuse and public safety concerns.
The post A woman suspected of inhaling nitrous oxide was arrested after a collision in Irvine first appeared on New Santa Ana.