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The following information has been provided by the City of Riverside:

Avoid the 30 DUI Campaign Task Force will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on impaired drivers with an aggressive DUI enforcement blitz.

“Driving while drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you’ve had too much holiday spirit, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” said Riverside Police Chief Russ Leach

During the July 4th holiday period in 2007, there were a total of 200 traffic-related fatalities. Of those, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. . During the 2008 Independence Day Holiday weekend, California’s Alcohol Involved Deaths totaled 17 and another 382 suffered injuries, some life changing, due to intoxication. (The 2008 data is provisional information)

“Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a victimless crime. It’s vitally important that we bring this tragic situation to an end,” said Riverside Police Traffic Supervisor and AVOID the 30 director Karen Haverkamp.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,998 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Avoid the 30 – Riverside County will be deploying officers for DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint and multiple Local DUI Saturation Patrols during the 3-day holiday weekend. All routine police and Sheriff patrol’s, along with CHP who is deploying 80% of all officers onto freeways, state routes and county roads will be stepping up DUI stops locally and statewide.

Chief Leach said following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road.

1. Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
2. Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
3. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
4. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate: Report Drunk Drivers, Call 9-1-1

Filed under Headline

Friday, July 3, 2009

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