DUI Patrols Beefed Up On Cinco De Mayo

Law enforcement agencies throughout Riverside County will increase patrols during Cinco de Mayo to crack down on DUI, authorities said today.

The county’s Avoid The 30 campaign — named for the number of agencies that participate — will include saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints Thursday to nab alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers, according to Riverside police Sgt. Dwayne May.

May said officers will work overtime in some communities, thanks to funding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk,” said Riverside police Chief Sergio Diaz. “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance.”

At checkpoints, authorities will also check for valid driver’s licenses. Individuals driving with a suspended or revoked licenses could have their vehicles impounded, according to May.

He recommended that party-goers and hosts designate a sober driver before the start of any “fiesta.”

A similar operation is planned for the Memorial Day weekend.