Gilroy
– Officers in the area will be on the lookout for drunken
drivers again this weekend, patrolling in force as part of the
annual holiday campaign against driving under the influence.
By Lori Stuenkel
Gilroy – Officers in the area will be on the lookout for drunken drivers again this weekend, patrolling in force as part of the annual holiday campaign against driving under the influence.
There will be no checkpoints around Gilroy, but due to the parties expected to take place between tonight and the New Year holiday, finding and arresting drunken drivers remain a top priority for officers.
“We are still continuing, through (Jan.) 2, with traffic units specifically looking out for the DUI driver,” said Detective Cpl. Rosa Quinones, with the Gilroy Police Department.
The California Highway Patrol is implementing maximum enforcement, as well, with every available officer on patrol to remain highly visible, said Officer Matt Ramirez.
A joint GPD and CHP DUI checkpoint last Friday netted three arrests, with a total of 21 drunken driving arrests between the two agencies over the weekend.
Over the past week, CHP officers arrested six more drunken drivers, for a total that is one less than last year at this time, Ramirez said.
Avoid the 13, an annual campaign against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, combines the efforts of law enforcement agencies across the county, including Gilroy and Morgan Hill police, the CHP, and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
Meanwhile, traffic fatalities during the holidays – whether related to alcohol or not – are the target of a new program of five state traffic safety agencies. Called “Operation Holiday Wish List,” the program calls for higher police presence, and reminders to drive safely: Buckle up, obey the speed limit, and designate a driver.
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Sunne Wright McPeak launched the operation.
“I was disheartened that our highway deaths were up over the Thanksgiving holiday,” McPeak said. “I have directed all these departments to join forces for an increased education and enforcement campaign …to turn the tide of death on California roadways this holiday season.”
