Local Police Departments ramping up patrols for New Year’s Eve
The Palm Springs Police Department will be out in full swing on New Year's Eve. The department says its ramping up enforcement to catch drunk drivers, and anyone else breaking the law. The department also says it will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks, gunshots, and hit and run drivers.
"We expect an increase in calls for service," said Gustavo Araiza, a Lieutenant with the PSPD. "That's why we have more personnel working that evening. With more officers out there, we'll be more mindful about people's driving actions, so whether they're driving recklessly or they're potentially driving under the influence, we'll address all of those issues.”
The department will also be doing extra patrols downtown to keep pedestrians safe.
"It's important to remind the community that they have got a party responsibly," said Araiza. "And remember, shooting off fireworks and guns is illegal. If you shoot a bullet into the air, it will come down, and it could come down and somebody could get hurt or killed."
Araiza also suggested planning your ride home ahead of time, especially if you plan on drinking on New Year's Eve. "If you're going to go out, you plan on drinking, consider using a ride share service like Uber or Lyft, there is no excuse to drive impaired.”
New Year's Day is the deadliest day of the year for drunk driving. In fact, 179 people will likely be killed on U.S. roads in the next 24 hours. The odds that someone will be getting behind the wheel drunk and causing a fatal accident is 117% higher on New Year's Eve, especially if it lands on a weekend. According to the National Safety Council, nearly half of the fatal accidents during New Year's involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
Drunk driving on New Year's Eve has become such a big problem, that several agencies around the Coachella Valley, including the CHP and Indio Police Department, will be out in full-force working to prevent and catch drivers under the influence.
The best way to prevent drunk driving is to make a plan ahead of time. Make a plan to get to and from your destination safely. Have a sober friend or family member in your group or at home ready to pick you up. Last but not least, know your limit. For the average person, three drinks is enough to elevate your blood alcohol content to .05%, which would make you an impaired driver. Know when to hand your keys over or call a ride.
A DUI in California could cost you between $390-$18,000, but a $25 ride could save someone's life.
