Local law enforcement agencies will target drug or alcohol impaired drivers July 4 and 5—a particularly deadly period nationwide—according to a press release from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
“You can show your patriotism by helping to make the roads of Santa Clara County safer for everyone,” Sheriff Laurie Smith said in the release. “Remember: drive sober or get pulled over; it’s as simple as that.”
Thirteen law enforcement agencies across California will be adding officers and deputies who will target drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, courtesy of a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Administration.
Data from the NHTSA show that 10,322 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2012—representing a third of all crash fatalities. During the July 4 period in 2012 (6 p.m. on July 3 to 5:59 a.m. on July 5), there were 179 people killed in crashes—and 44 percent of those crashes were alcohol-impaired.
The Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that if they’re caught driving drunk, they will be arrested, the release said. A DUI arrest can result in jail time, the loss of a drivers license and financial consequences; the average DUI costs about $10,000.
In order to avoid the consequences of driving impaired, the Sheriff’s Office recommends drivers designate a sober driver, use a taxi or call someone for a ride if they’re intoxicated and prevent others under the influence from getting behind the wheel.
“If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1,” the release reads.
Saturation patrols
-Friday, July 4: DUI roving saturation patrols will be assigned by police within the city of Santa Clara.
-Saturday, July 5: DUI roving saturation patrols will be assigned by police within the cities of Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara and around San Jose State University.
More deputies, officers
-Sheriff’s deputies will staff extra DUI units in the cities of Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Altos Hills.
-The California Highway Patrol will add available officers to the region’s freeways and unincorporated roads beginning 6 p.m. July 3 through midnight July 6.
