New Year’s Eve D.U.I. Prevention Press Conference NA15252rmh

What: New Year’s Eve D.U.I. Prevention Press Conference

When: Thursday, December 31, 2015 10:00 a.m.

Where: 5300 N. Lankershim Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91601-3178 (M.T.A. Red Line and Orange Line Stations)

Who: Captain Beverly Lewis, C.O. Valley Traffic Division Detective William Bustos, Coordinator & Spanish Media C.H.P., L.A.S.D and L.A.P.D. police officers Ms.Pauletta Tonilas, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.) Ms. Anita Lorz-Villagrana, American Automobile Association (AAA) Ms. Patricia Rillera, Southern California Regional Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

A vehicle that was involved in a DUI fatal traffic collision will be displayed. A AAA tow truck and a black and white police car will be shown.

Why: Every 53 minutes someone dies in an alcohol-related traffic collision in America. Last year, Los Angeles Police Officers arrested 14,348 impaired drivers. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 grams per deciliter ((g/dL) or higher. The press conference will be conducted to inform and educate the motoring public of the dangers of drinking and driving during this New Year’s Eve and throughout the year. The goal is to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and property damage associated with intoxicated driving in our communities.

No one ever thinks that their holiday celebration will end in jail, or worse, in a hospital or the morgue. But for those who consume alcoholic beverages in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is often the case.

The Los Angeles Police Department wants everyone to celebrate this New Year’s Eve responsibly to avoid becoming a D.U.I. statistic. We ask that you drive sober or you will be pulled over. If you become intoxicated, do not get behind the wheel of a car or motorcycle. Use a designated driver. Use public transportation. Do not let the LAPD be your designated driver! Do not welcome the New Year in jail!!

CONTACT: For more information, please contact Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8021 or (213) 841-9060.