LAPD Cracking Down on Impaired Drivers during Holidays Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over NA14238ne

Los Angeles, California — This holiday season, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be out in force cracking down on impaired drivers with driving under the influence (DUI)/Driver License Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols.  In anticipation of the holiday season, the LAPD has planned the DUI-related enforcement activities:

Thursday, December 11
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Hollywood Area from 7 P.M. to 3 A.M.

Friday, December 12
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Olympic Area at Western Avenue and 8th Street from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Van Nuys Area at Ventura Boulevard and Columbus Avenue from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Central Bureau from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Mission Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Saturday, December 13
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Hollywood Area at Sunset Boulevard and Genesee Avenue from 9 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in 77th Street Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Sunday, December 14
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Southwest Area at La Brea Avenue and Coliseum Street from 7 P.M. to 12 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Harbor Area from 12 P.M. to 8 P.M.

Thursday, December 18
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Central Bureau from 4 P.M. to 12 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Hollywood Area from 7 P.M. to 3 A.M.

Friday, December 19
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Olympic Area at Vermont Avenue at 5th Street from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Central Area at Figueroa Street and 9th Street from 9 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Hollywood Area at Sunset Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue from 9 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Saturday, December 20
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in 77th Street Area at Central Avenue and 81st Street from 7 P.M. to 12 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Southeast Area at Manchester Avenue and Denver Avenue from 7 P.M. to 12 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Mission Area at Woodman Avenue and Osborne Street from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Sunday, December 21
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Hollenbeck Area from 12 P.M. to 8 P.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in North Hollywood Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Friday, December 26
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in West Los Angeles Area from 7 P.M. to 3 A.M.

Saturday, December 27
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Foothill Area at Osborne Street and Laurel Canyon Boulevard from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Newton Area at Florence Avenue and Broadway from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in North Hollywood Area at Victory Boulevard and Bellaire Avenue from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Harbor Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Wednesday, December 31
•    DUI/Driver License Checkpoint in Pacific Area at Lincoln Boulevard and Maxella Avenue from 9 P.M. to 2 A.M.

The LAPD is giving fair warning to all partygoers.  “In addition to DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints, you will also see officers conducting an increased number of traffic stops during this highly visible enforcement period,” said Sergeant Karmody.  “If officers suspect anyone is driving while under the influence, officers will show zero tolerance for drunk or drugged driving.”

Unfortunately, the excitement and celebrations of the holiday season can lead to terrible decisions – and serious legal consequences.  Data shows that the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of drunk drivers on the roads, and the LAPD is prepared to stop and arrest any drunk driver they see to keep roads safe.  

Drunk drivers often face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, to lost wages due to time off from work. Even worse, a drunk driver can cause a traffic crash that claims someone’s life, or their own.

Please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy:

  – Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving
    Drunk – or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.
  – If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving.  Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the
    party begins.
  – If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member,
    or use public transportation.
  – Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
  – If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save
    someone’s life and inaction could cost a life.  

Remember, it is never safe to drink and drive: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Funding for this Checkpoint provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that reminds everyone: Report Drunk Drivers!  Call 911.

MEDIA NOTES:
To schedule an interview regarding the Los Angeles Police Department traffic safety efforts, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-486-0690.