Sheriff Warns of Countywide DUI Crackdown Memorial Day Weekend

Don't start off the summer in the slammer.

A sobriety checkpoint will be in effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday near the 7900 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. Sheriff's deputies specially trained to recognize DUI drivers will conduct the sobriety and driver's license checkpoint as part of a countywide campaign this holiday weekend to get drunken drivers off the road.

The “Avoid the 14 DUI Campaign” will deploy officers at DUI/Driver License Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols throughout San Diego County to arrest impaired drivers who still don’t get the message that they should avoid drinking and driving.

(Fourteen refers to the number of local law enforcement agencies that participate in the crackdowns, according to the San Diego County News Center.)

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.

The campaign will deploy checkpoints and DUI patrols again during the Independence Day holiday and for the Labor Day DUI Mobilization.

Law enforcement is reminding everyone to make plans now to use a designated driver during weekend trips and celebrations 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.

“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 driver and call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver should you witness the tale‐tale signs of impairment: Weaving, crossing the center line, or a driver slow to start when signals turns green.

Law enforcement region‐wide are asking for everyone’s support this holiday weekend and all summer:

• Arrange rides home for friends, family, co‐workers and yourself before drinking begins.

• Those hosting celebrations and servers must limit drinks to 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 911.

Funding for the campaign is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

—From a news release by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.