Local law enforcement plans extra Super Bowl weekend DUI patrols

The California Highway Patrol and Palm Desert Police Department will run extra DUI patrols on Super Bowl weekend, the agencies announced today.

Palm Desert police will conduct DUI saturation patrols from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. today and Saturday in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests. The Indio Area CHP, which covers the Coachella Valley, will double the number of officers on patrol on Super Bowl Sunday.

Officers will check motorists for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and check for proper licensing. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, which provides police services to Palm Desert.

The CHP encouraged people to have a designated driver for the trip home after the game.

“Our job is to keep everyone safe as they drive on the valley’s roadways, and our officers will be out in force looking to find and arrest those driving under the influence before they can hurt anyone,” said Indio CHP Capt. Laura Quattlebaum. “Those who choose to drive under the influence put everyone in danger.”