The Orange County Sheriff’s Department “Avoid the 10” DUI Task Force will canvass the community this holiday weekend with an aggressive DUI-enforcement policy.
 
The task force and Mission Viejo Police Services will conduct a DUI checkpoint in town from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday, July 3. DUI Saturation Patrols will also be conducted during the 3-day holiday weekend in the department’s contract cities.
 
 “Driving drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk. If you’ve had too much to drink, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” said Sgt. Jerry Brittain, of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a victimless crime.”
 
During last year’s Independence Day holiday weekend, nearly 400 people were killed or injured in alcohol-related traffic collisions.  In 2007, 200 people died as a result of drunk driving. 
 
The consequences are serious and real: Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
 
Brittain urges drivers to follow these simple steps:

  • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin. 
  • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys. 
  • If you drink, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. 
  • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate: Report drunk drivers, call 9-1-1!