New Year's Weekend DUI checkpoint scheduled
The Redlands Police Department will conduct two DUI/Drivers License checkpoints this week in partnership with the Avoid DUI Task Force Campaigns and law enforcement nationwide.
Officers will conduct the first checkpoint from 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, through 3 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, in the southbound lanes of Cajon Street at Cypress Avenue.
The second checkpoint will be conducted from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, through 3 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, in the eastbound lanes of Redlands Boulevard at 7th Street.
During a checkpoint conducted Thursday, Dec. 23, officers arrested four people for driving under the influence. Four people were cited for driving without a license and another driver was cited for driving on a suspended license. A total of 233 vehicles passed through the checkpoint.
An Avoid the 25 Saturation Patrol Monday, Dec. 27, resulted in two arrests for driving under the influence.
As party-goers celebrate the holidays with friends and family, drivers should heed the Redlands Police Department’s warning to keep the party off the road or be ready to face the consequences. Law Enforcement will be out in force through the New Year’s weekend cracking down on anyone caught drunk or drugged behind the wheel.
“After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message that if they’re planning on drinking, they should always plan a safe way home,” said Police Chief Jim Bueermann. “But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”
Redlands Police say parents should take note that young males are at particularly high risk, with nearly one-quarter admitting to riding with someone who should not have been behind the wheel in the past year.
“We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving,” said Chief Bueermann. “Don’t let your 2010 end in an arrest or worse, injury or death. Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk!”
During last year’s two and half week Winter Holiday campaign, 36 Californians were killed in crashes statewide with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher and another 1,168 were injured in alcohol involved wrecks. In the city of Redlands during the past six months, three people were killed with a BAC of .08 percent or higher.
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Sgt Rick Smith who supervises the RPD Traffic Unit recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:
Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
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;
And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
For more information on local and statewide Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign Enforcement Schedules and Daily DUI Arrest/Fatal Statistics, visit the www.californiaavoid.org. The Program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety which reminds everyone to please – Report Drunk Driving – Call 911!
via City of Redlands.
