Designate a Driver before your Celebrations begin!

The Avoid the 100 Los Angeles County DUI Task Force will be deploying DUI saturation patrols throughout the county for the Cinco de Mayo weekend starting at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012. Additionally, CHP will be deploying saturation patrols onto freeways and in unincorporated county jurisdictions to stop, test and arrest impaired drivers who fail to use a designated driver.

Cinco de Mayo is a special opportunity to gather with friends and co-workers and celebrate California’s rich cultural diversity. It is also a night when dangerous and often deadly outcomes occur because another impaired driver hits the road drunk.

Local venues are planning special reduced rates for drinks creating the probability for even higher numbers of intoxicated drivers. DUI statistics indicate the greatest number of DUI deaths and injuries occur late Saturday night early Sunday morning which is why law enforcement will be out in force as a deterrent.

“Getting behind the wheel after drinking is not an option,” said Glendale Chief of Police Ronald L. De Pompa. “Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

Plan ahead with these tips:

• Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins.
• Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver.
• Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to guests or patrons. Do not serve more than one or two over several hours.
• Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.
• If you see dangerous driving, Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

“In this day and age, there is no excuse for driving drunk,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Before heading out for the celebration, just take one minute to designate your sober driver.”

Avoid the 100 DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.