• 09
  • December
    2011

Holiday celebrations often involve drinking, and all too often this means an increased number of drunk drivers on the road. These drivers put everyone on the road at risk of harm when they get behind the wheel.

Throughout California, law enforcement will be cracking down on drunk drivers in an attempt to keep the state's motorists safe. In partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety's AVOID program, local law enforcement will be substantially increasing DUI enforcement between December 16 and January 1.

Enforcement efforts include sobriety checkpoints, increased local patrols, DUI task force operations and warrant and probation sweeps to target repeat offenders.

Take Responsibility to Prevent Drunk Driving

Unfortunately, law enforcement can't catch all of the drunk drivers on California's roads. Many of those who escape the police's grip end up causing accidents that kill or severely injure innocent people.

This holiday season, we all need to do our part to stop drunk driving. By taking the personal responsibility not to drive while intoxicated - and by making sure our friends and loved ones don't either - we can make the roads safer for everyone.

There are some strategies Californians can use to help prevent drunk driving accidents. For example:

  • If you will be drinking, plan a safe way home before the party starts.
  • Consider volunteering to be a sober designated driver.
  • If you are hosting a party, don't let your intoxicated guests drive home. Call them a cab or let them stay the night at your house.
  • If you observe a drunk driver on the road, call 911.

Most importantly, never get behind the wheel when you are intoxicated. Call a cab, take the bus or find some other way to get home. There are also a number of businesses that will give you a ride home in your own car.

Sometimes a cab feels pricey, but it is certainly cheaper than getting a DUI or causing an accident that kills or injures another person.

Source: Contra Costa Times, "Holiday Drinkers Encouraged by Local Woman, CHP Not to Drive Drunk," Lori Consalvo, Nov. 23, 2011.