Previous Story
Police set eyes on drunk drivers
|
Posted on Nov 24 2005
As the holiday season begins, local law enforcement officers are reminding people planning celebrations to choose someone to stay sober for the drive home.
The Department of Public Safety also revives its designated driver program for drivers who may have had too much to drink.
Sgt. Joseph Flores, chairman of this year’s Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month activities, said volunteer drivers would be available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1.
The ÅgGive the Gift of the LiftÅh program aims to keep potential drunk drivers off the road.
Any adult who needs a ride home from a bar or restaurant may simply call DPS at 664-9001 or the Traffic Section at 664-9084.
Flores also said that the designated driver program is still accepting volunteers. DPS will provide the vehicle. Volunteers may also set their schedule based on their convenience.
Checkpoints, patrols, a constant stream of media messaging and several community-based safety events are some of the plans DPS is preparing to keep the road safe during the holiday period.
ÅgThis season, I ask each resident and visitor of the Commonwealth to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to help stop others from driving in an impaired condition, and to increase community awareness about the issues,” Gov. Juan N. Babauta said, as he proclaimed December as 3D Prevention Month.
According to Public Safety Commissioner Santiago Tudela, alcohol remains a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents.
In 2004, the police recorded 338 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. There were seven people who died in alcohol-related accidents.
This year, DPS has recorded 10 traffic fatalities; five of them were involved in alcohol-related accidents.
