Cinco de Mayo DUI Patrols Set for Weekend

Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies will be deploying DUI saturation patrols to stop, test and arrest impaired drivers during Cinco de Mayo festivities this weekend. 

Initiated by the Avoid the 100 Los Angeles County DUI Task Force, the campaign began deploying patrols throughout the county Friday and wil last through Sunday. 

California Highway Patrol will also deploy saturation patrols onto freeways and in unincorporated county jurisdictions. 

With Cinco de Mayo festivities in full swing, law enforcement agencies are expecting a higher number of intoxicated drivers over the weekend.

According to a press statement, DUI statistics indicate the highest number of DUI deaths and injuries occurring late Saturday night to early Sunday morning.

“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking,” said Glendora Chief of Police, Rob Castro in a press release. “Everyone, including hosts, local bars and restaurants, must be sure to promote designated sober drivers in advance, before the festivities begin.”

The Avoid the 100 offers these tips for a safe Cinco de Mayo:

• Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins.
• Venue hosts should identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver Party hosts. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.
• If you are going to a party, cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party — and provide plenty of food.
• If 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 100 DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Getting behind the wheel after drinking is not an option,” said Glendale Chief of Police Ronald L. De Pompa. “Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”