SPPD Joins County's Anti-DUI Campaign

As you celebrate the holiday season, keep in mind: will be working hard to charge those drinking and driving.

As a part of L.A. County 's Winter Holiday Anti-DUI Campaign Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, SPPD will specifically conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint 8 p.m. Friday at an undisclosed location within city limits.

“There will be no spreading holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell,” Police Chief Joseph Payne said. “Don’t let your 2011 holiday season end in an arrest or worse, death. Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.” 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sobriety checkpoint programs can yield considerable cost savings: $6 for every $1 spent. SPPD has two additional DUI Checkpoints scheduled throughout the course of the next year.

In December 2009, there were 753 people killed nationwide in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 Blood Alcohol Content. In California, 57 individuals died on the state’s streets and highways.

“The message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Chief Payne.   

SPPD recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:           

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement. Call 911.
• And remember, “R U OK?” is a ridiculous question. If you think they’ve had too much, they probably have. Help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.

The national Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown is led by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and NHTSA with the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign.

This program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

For a list of checkpoints and patrols around LA. County, click here.