Don’t Be the ‘I’ in DUI: Be a Hero, Designate a Sober Driver Celebrate Fourth of July Responsibly NA24120kt

Friday, July 5
DUI Saturation Patrol from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Northeast Area
DUI Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Vermont Avenue and Florence Avenue
DUI Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Glenoaks Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard
DUI Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Venice Boulevard and Ocean Avenue

Saturday, July 6
DUI Saturation Patrol from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. in Hollenbeck Area
DUI Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Victory Boulevard and Reseda Boulevard

Sunday, July 7
DUI Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Manchester Avenue and Main Street

Note:
Locations of the checkpoints are subject to change or cancelation.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reminds drivers to be the real heroes of the night by prioritizing the safety of everyone on the road this Fourth of July. Plan ahead and celebrate the holiday responsibly. Over the extended Independence Day weekend, the LAPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In 2022, 487 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Independence Day holiday period. Of those deadly crashes, 40% involved alcohol. In California, 68 people were killed in crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday period. In addition, California Highway Patrol officers made nearly 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

Commander Craig Valenzuela, Commanding Officer, Traffic Group, said, “Choosing a sober driver is not just about following the law; it’s about saving lives. If you plan on celebrating the Independence Day weekend with a drink, we want you to make a plan to go safely with a sober ride home. Think of your loved ones, friends, and family before getting behind the wheel.”

While some festivities may include alcohol, driving under the influence also includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana. Do your research and be informed about how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

If you are hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home.

If you see someone who appears impaired or driving recklessly, call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.