Almost 500 DUI Arrests During Independence Holiday

Nearly 500 DUI arrests have already been made throughout Los Angeles County since Friday in the leadup to July 4, the Avoid the 100 DUI Campaign announced Wednesday night.

Law enforcement officers from around the Southland have already been out in force in a crackdown on motorists who drive while impaired during the Independence Day holiday period.

The campaign officially began last Friday.

"Most Americans may not realize it, but the Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes,'' said Wendy Brewer of the Avoid the 100 DUI Campaign.

"Often, Fourth of July celebrations start during the day, but last well into the night -- making the dangers from impaired drivers even higher at night.''

The campaign is a coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies that includes increased patrols and sobriety/driver's license checkpoints.

"With Independence Day falling on a Wednesday, many in our community will be taking the rest of the week off, so DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols will be out in force,'' said Brewer, a Glendora police community service officer.

DUI arrest data collection will continue through midnight Saturday.

Additionally, California Highway Patrol officers in areas patrolled by the state agency are also out in force.

On July 4, the Avoid the DUI Campaign are operating in El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo and Torrance.

In addition, the CHP are concentrating its efforts in South Los Angeles and Central Los Angeles.

Also, the CHP has been conducting a Maximum Enforcement Period with all available officers on the region's freeways, state highways and unincorporated roads from 6 p.m. yesterday through midnight tonight.

Brewer urged people to follow these common-sense guidelines:
   -- plan a safe way home before a party;
   -- before drinking, designate a sober driver;
   -- if you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or use your community's sober ride program;
   -- take the car keys away from someone you know who is about to drive
while impaired, and help them make arrangements to get home safely; and
   -- call 911 if you see someone driving drunk.

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