The following announcement comes from Sgt. Paul Paniagua:
Task Force Deploys Extra Patrols For Cinco de Mayo
Designate a Driver before your Saturday Night Celebrations begin!
The Avoid the 9 - Napa County DUI Task Force will be deploying DUI saturation patrols throughout into a number of cities supporting routine DUI patrols on Cinco De Mayo starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Additionally, 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 for chips, salsa and Margaritas, celebrating 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 for a Saturday night. 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.
“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking,” said Napa Chief of Police Richard Melton. “Everyone, including hosts, local bars and restaurants, must be sure to promote designated sober drivers in advance, before the festivities begin.”
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 your guests or patrons. Don’t 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.
- It 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 9 DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Source: City of Napa Police Department.
