Celebrate Independence Day Weekend Responsibly

Los Angeles: The Fourth of July commemorates our great Nation’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence on  July 4, 1776, from the Kingdom of Great Britain.  Unfortunately, Independence Day weekend has become an occasion for many community members to celebrate and drink irresponsibly.  As a result of this irresponsible behavior, community members driving under the influence (DUI) has become a tremendous public safety problem over the Independence Day weekend.

The Los Angeles Police Department recommends the followings tips to ensure everyone residing or visiting Los Angeles has a safe and sane Independence Day:

•    Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
•    Designate a sober driver;
•    Leave your car keys at home;
•    Call a taxi, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely;
•    Call 911 if you see a possible drunk driver on the road; and,
•    Take the car keys away from someone who is about to drive impaired and assist them in getting home safely.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s ongoing effort to save lives and keep the streets safe free of drunk drivers will include the following DUI enforcement activities to be conducted over the holiday week:

Wednesday, July 4

•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Harbor Area from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 5

•    Sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in Olympic Area at Vermont Avenue and 6th Street from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Friday, July 6

•    Sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in Pacific Area at Lincoln Boulevard and Maxella Avenue from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
•    Sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in Southeast Area at Rosecrans Avenue and Menlo Avenue from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Saturday, July 7

•    Sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in Foothill Area at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Paxton Street from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
•    Sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in Mission Area at Roscoe Boulevard and Noble Avenue from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Sunday, July 8

•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Rampart Area from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The aforementioned DUI enforcement activities are funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety  through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver.  For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Emergency Operations Division, at 213-486-0703.