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For first time, no DUI arrests on X’mas Eve
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Posted on Dec 28 2005
For the first time, no one on Saipan was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol on Christmas Eve, according to the Department of Public Safety yesterday.
Acting DPS spokesman Eric David said that on Dec. 23 and 24, they conducted a total of five sobriety checkpoints, but they got “zero DUI arrests.”
David said that during those two days, six persons were taken to DPS but all were subsequently released after results indicated they had low Blood Alcohol Concentration.
David said the sobriety targets were along Middle Road and Beach Road.
“We’re very pleased with the results. I’m surprised we got zero arrests during the holidays,” he said.
The spokesman said it shows that the department’s public campaign against drunk drivers, as well as its enforcement actions against DUI, has been working.
David particularly attributed the success to the DPS’ month-long Drunk, Drugged Driving Prevention (3Ds) campaign during the Christmas season.
“We are still encouraging motorists not to drive if they’re drunk this New Year holiday,” he said.
Last year, there were seven persons caught by the police for DUI from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, DPS statistics shows.
The statistics indicated that from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2004, out of 91 total traffic offenses, there were seven DUIs, 19 cases of backing onto the highway, and 11 for exceeding the maximum speed limit.
The seven DUIs and 12 vehicular accidents were considered a low figure when compared with the same period in previous years, DPS said.
DPS Commissioner Santiago Tudela directed the patrol and traffic units to put up several checkpoints on the island to deter drunk motorists from going on the road during the holiday season.
