The DUI Holiday Crackdown Continues
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and police across Riverside county are cracking down on drinking and driving.
Kelly Welsh lives in the Valley and says he doesn’t agree with reckless drivers.
“It’s definitely not worth it, that’s for sure,” said Welsh.
Agencies across the county have made 266 DUI arrests since Dec. 16 and the holiday crackdown campaign continues through Jan. 2. During that same 10-day period last year there were 337 arrests.
California Highway Patrol officer Joseph Zagorski said that even though the numbers have gone down they’re looking for anyone who appears to be driving impaired.
“Anyone who drinks should not drive,” said Zagorski.
During this crackdown period there have already been at least three deaths that are being blamed on drunk or impaired drivers in Riverside county. Last year there were two.
People around the Desert agree that it’s never OK to drink and drive.
James Zuber moved to the Valley from Canada, and says his wife and him prefer to stay home.
“We don’t dare get in the car. After a few libations we celebrate quietly at home,” said Zuber.
Loretta Cota is from Los Angeles and agrees with Zuber.
“We wouldn’t allow the driving to happen. Certainly we do have a designated driver or you just stay at the home,” said Cota.
Mike Egan doesn’t drink and says he’s happy to be the designated driver.
“I have some friends who are having some parties so I could pick them up and drive them home,” said Egan.
He reported a reckless driver who was swerving and speeding on the I-10 recently. He says the driver had a child in the passenger seat.
“I called 9-1-1 and I was able to stay behind the car until the police intervened.”
And Zuber agrees that was the right thing to do.
“The sooner they get on the phone to advise the authorities the better,” said Zuber.
The California Highway Patrol wants to remind people that if they plan on drinking this new year’s weekend, they should take a taxi, call a sober friend or just stay home.
