Home » Headlines » Police » Don’t Start The New Year With A DUI

Don’t Start The New Year With A DUI

CALIFORNIA – During last year’s New Year Maximum Enforcement Period, 14 people were killed in collisions statewide, and more than 450 people were arrested by CHP for driving under the influence.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to start the New Year on the right path by celebrating responsibly. If the nights events include alcohol, make the smart choice and designate a driver before the celebrating begins.

The CHP will be ringing in the New Year on the roadway with motorists as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015.

“New Years Eve is celebrated around the world, signifying the beginning of a new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Start the New Year by doing the right thing: designate a sober driver or have a plan in place for a sober ride before the celebration starts.”

This holiday season, the CHP joins with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” education and enforcement campaign. In addition, the public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 if they suspect another driver of being under the influence. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with the location, make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle, and any other pertinent information.

“The focused enforcement period is aimed at reducing the number of tragedies on our roadways over the holiday weekend,” says Commissioner Farrow. “With all the available transportation methods to choose from on New Years Eve, there is no excuse to drive under the influence behind the wheel of a vehicle. Designate a sober driver, take a taxi, or use public transportation to make it a safe night for everyone on the road.”

Leave a Reply

Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online