The San Diego County Sheriff's Department made the following announcement on May 24, 2012:
The Avoid the 14 DUI Campaign will be deploying officers this holiday weekend at DUI/Driver License Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols countywide to arrest impaired drivers who still don’t get the message.
The Memorial Day weekend is the first holiday travel period of the summer season and this, coupled with many college and high school graduations, will see friends and families gathering to celebrate, often with alcohol. Law enforcement is reminding everyone to make plans now for those weekend trips and celebrations to use a ‘Designated Driver’ to avert arrest or worse, a deadly drunk driving tragedy.
"This is a celebratory season and should be remembered, not regretted. Drive responsibly, safely, and soberly," said Sheriff Bill Gore.
The enforcement blitz begins Friday night with DUI patrols countywide. A DUI/Driver License checkpoint is also set for Saturday, May 26th in the unincorporated areas of Lemon Grove from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The summer months traditionally see a rise in DUI deaths and injuries,” said Chris Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Let’s turn this trend around in 2012.
Take measures to use a designated sober driver and call 9‐1‐1 to report a suspected drunk driver should you witness the tale‐tale signs of impairment; such as weaving, crossing the center line, or a driver slow to start when the signal light turns green.”
Law enforcement region‐wide are asking for everyone’s support this holiday weekend and all summer:
- Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co‐workers and yourself before the drinking begins
- Those hosting celebrations and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.
- Identify and provide free nonalcoholic drinks to the Designated Driver
- If you see dangerous driving, Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9‐1‐1!
Funding for the Avoid DUI Campaign is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Avoid Campaign will deploy checkpoints and DUI patrols again during the Independence Day Holiday and for the summer Labor Day DUI Mobilization.
