December is California`s Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Dec 1, 2004--This holiday season law enforcement agencies across the state will join forces to send a strong message to drunk drivers - Designated driver or patrol car? Pick your ride.
Timed to coincide with the state`s annual Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, law enforcement agencies statewide will conduct a concentration of sobriety checkpoints to deter impaired driving and remove offenders from the state`s roadways.
''Drinking and driving is a serious crime that can cost you your freedom or even your life,'' said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Mike Brown. ''Motorists should consider this fair warning - if you choose to drink and drive, law enforcement will be looking for you. We are committed to saving lives and will do whatever it takes to take drunk drivers off the road.''
Alcohol-related fatalities have climbed in California for the fifth consecutive year. This has prompted the State to dedicate funding toward anti-DUI enforcement. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency (BTH), have allocated more than $4.7 million in grants to police departments to conduct sobriety checkpoints in 2005, including the upcoming winter holiday periods, and Labor Day.
''The Schwarzenegger Administration is very concerned about the rising number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes,'' said BTH Secretary, Sunne Wright McPeak. ''By funding increased checkpoints and patrols we will give law enforcement the resources they need to tackle the DUI problem head-on. Our message is clear - drunk driving will not be tolerated.''
''State and national studies confirm that sobriety checkpoints contribute to a substantial reduction in alcohol-related crashes in the communities in which they are held,'' continued McPeak. ''Checkpoints are one of our best strategies to fight DUI and save lives.''
In 2003, 1,445 people were killed and 31,337 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in California, compared to 1,416 fatalities and 32,041 injuries in 2002.
In observation of Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, the OTS and CHP, along with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Restaurant Association, encourage Californians to celebrate responsibly and use a designated driver.
Here are some common sense tips for enjoying the holiday season safely:
-- Always have a designated driver on-hand whenever alcohol is served.
-- Never serve alcohol to minors. California has a zero tolerance policy that will be enforced.
-- Talk to young people about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
-- Provide non-alcoholic beverages at holiday celebrations.
-- Think about the evening in advance. Decide on your choice of transportation alternatives before you celebrate.
Editors note: For a complete list of mini-grant recipient agencies in your area, please contact Mike Marando at (916) 262-2975 or via email at [email protected].
* Statistics based on California Highway Patrol 2003 provisional data.
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