DUI Checkpoints & Crime on the Road, Sobriety Checkpoints

Winter Holiday AVOID Campaign – Final Report

Riverside, CA – The 2009 Winter Holiday DUI Mobilization crackdown on drinking drivers has ended and resulted in a significant number of DUI arrests from the Sobriety Checkpoints, Special Saturation Patrols and routine patrol in the Riverside County “AVOID” DUI Campaign.

From 12:01 AM Friday December 18, 2009, through Midnight Sunday January 3. 2010, officers representing 30 county law enforcement agencies have arrested 629** individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  In 2008, 524 DUI arrests occurred during the same time period.  There were no reported drunk driver related deaths in our area! Last year there were three alcohol related deaths during this same time period.  (**NOTE: These numbers are provisional with same agencies yet to report**)

AVOID programs are named for the number of police agencies in each county.  The programs seek to publicize the combined DUI efforts of all law enforcement agencies in California to raise awareness of the problems associated with drinking and driving, especially during major holiday periods. The program is named “AVOID” because motorists can “avoid” being arrested by not drinking and driving.

Law enforcement officials will be conducting more Avoid anti DUI efforts throughout the county and region during Super Bowl Sunday, St Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo before planning for the Summer Campaign periods. Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1anytime you encounter an impaired driver.

Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Contact: Karen Haverkamp, Traffic Bureau Administrative Supervisor
Phone: (951) 353-7980 or khaver@riversideca.gov

CALIFORNIA DRIVING LAWS