NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lt. Jeff Hallock (714) 904 7042
JHallock@ocsd.org
The “AVOID the 38” DUI Taskforce is Cracking Down on Drunk Driving this Cinco de Mayo
SANTA ANA, California (May 2, 2014) – Cinco de Mayo is a time for many Californians to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage by attending parties, barbecues and festivals with friends and family. With alcohol being such a big part of these festivities, it’s no surprise that drunk driving is especially high on May 5th. In an effort to prevent any roadway tragedies, the Orange County “Avoid the 38” DUI Task Force is joining with others across the state and nation to remind partygoers that drunk driving should never be part of your Cinco de Mayo plans.
Special DUI saturations patrols will be deployed this weekend in numerous cities within Orange County looking to identify and stop suspected drunk drivers. Additionally, every routine traffic and patrol officer assigned to duty will be on heightened alert to prevent another senseless tragedy.
“Cinco de Mayo has unfortunately become one of the most dangerous days of the year, all because of drunk driving,” said Deputy Shane Stewart of the Orange County Sheriff Department’s Traffic Bureau. “We just want everyone to have a safe and happy Cinco de Mayo, by taking a few minutes ahead of time to put a plan together,” he added, “Everyone needs to remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and there’s never an excuse for it.”
The following tips will help you have a safe and memorable Cinco de Mayo celebration:
1. Plan your ride ahead of time:
· Designate your sober driver before the fiesta begins; you might even consider paying for their food and non-alcoholic drinks; or
· Call a friend or taxi, or use public transportation.
2. Report Drunk Drivers! Call 9-1-1. You could save a life.
3. If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
The Avoid the 38 DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The next county-wide DUI task force deployment will be for the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, May 23rd – 26th.
