Officials are warning the public that DUI patrols in Los Angeles County will be in maximum enforcement mode this weekend and Monday for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The California Highway Patrol and other agencies will hold DUI checkpoints across Southern California, as well as up and down the rest of the state.
KTLA’s Chris Wolfe spoke with CHP officers on Saturday in the San Gabriel Valley which, unfortunately, is a hotspot for DUI-related car crashes – according to law enforcement officials.
Just a few nights ago, a suspected drunken driver was arrested after a two-car collision left one person injured in Baldwin Park.
It happened on Thursday night, and at least one of the vehicles slammed into a tree near a home.
According to police, the adult suspected of driving under the influence had an underage passenger in the vehicle, leading to additional charges of child endangerment.
The Baldwin Park Police Department issued a message for those planning to celebrate, saying “Don’t push your luck! St. Patrick’s Day is a time for fun, friends, and celebration! But if your plans include alcohol, don’t rely on luck – plan ahead and have a sober ride home.”
Drunken driving often leads to violent and deadly consequences, and even a first-time offender will face jail time and likely have to pay around $15,000 to $20,000 in fees, penalties, attorney fees, court-mandated treatment, counseling programs and more.
Not to mention the potential loss of their driver’s license for up to one year, and quite possibly the loss of their job.
“It could be anybody, a neighbor, a family member, a teacher,” said CHP Officer Joseph Davila. “It’s basically a crime of choice.”
The CHP said it recommends the following steps to avoid impaired driving:
- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before you go out to drink.
- If you are hosting a party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party.
- If you see a friend who is too drunk to drive, take their keys and call them a cab or ride-share, or give them a ride home.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
