Dana Point Times
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be on high alert this weekend with additional patrols aimed to crack down alcohol and drug impaired drivers.
“Drunk driving is dangerous, deadly and against the law—and it will not be tolerated in our communities this St. Patrick’s Day,” said Deputy Wayne Howard with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau, in a press release.
The department’s DUI Task Force will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint in neighboring San Clemente from Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2010—an average of one person every 51 minutes.
Sheriff’s deputies will stop drivers at checkpoints for signs of alcohol and drug use, and will check driver’s for proper licensing. Motorists caught driving impaired could expect jail time, license suspension, insurance increases and fines.
Task Force recommendations for a safe St. Patrick’s Day:
- Before festivities begin, plan a safe way home.
- To reduce the temptation to drive, designate a sober driver and leave car keys at home.
- Use a taxi, public transportation or call a sober friend or family member to get home.
- To report drunk drivers—Call 9-1-1
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