Contra Costa County Anti-DUI Task Force Makes Nearly 200 Arrests

Two weeks into a countywide crackdown on impaired drivers, law enforcement agencies in Contra Costa have arrested 186 drivers for driving under the influence. In addition, there have been 19 DUI related collisions, four of which resulted in injuries. There have been no fatal DUI related collisions. During a DUI warrant sweep on Thursday, law enforcement agencies arrested 16 people.

The winter crackdown began on December 13, 2013 and will run through January 1, 2014. California Highway Patrol, local police and Sheriff’s Offices will be watching for impaired drivers to help keep roads, streets and freeway safe.

Data shows that the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of impaired drivers on the roads. Nationally from 2007-2011, there were 4,169 people killed during the month of December in crashes that involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .08% or higher. In California, during the same time period, 505 people were killed and thousands seriously injured.

Please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy:

• Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.
• If you drink, do not drive. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life; inaction could cost a life.

Funding for the Avoid the 25 anti-DUI task force is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source:
Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office