LAPD vs. Drunk Driver’s Super Bowl XLVI Weekend

Los Angeles: Although the American tradition of gathering together to watch the National Football League’s best battle on the gridiron to win the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy is an exciting time, it is also a weekend of increased alcohol consumption.  During this   Super Bowl weekend, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) would like to remind all community members to drink responsibly.  In an effort to keep the streets of Los Angeles safe this weekend, the LAPD will conduct the following driving-under-the-influence (DUI) enforcement activities:

February 2, 2011 (Thursday) – DUI Saturation Patrol in Olympic Area from 8 PM to 2 AM;
February 3, 2011 (Friday) – Sobriety Checkpoint on Vermont Avenue and 5th Street from 8 PM to 2 AM;
February 4, 2011 (Saturday) – Sobriety Checkpoint on Foothill Boulevard at Hubbard Street from 8 PM to 2 AM; and,
February 5, 2011 (Sunday) – DUI Saturation Patrol in 77th Street Area from 12 PM to 8 PM.

Over the past three years, DUI related traffic collisions have claimed 50 lives and injured 3,413 community members in the City of Los Angeles.  Alcohol impaired traffic fatalities still comprise the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities.  In an effort to combat DUI driving, the Department utilizes a proven effective method of conducing DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols.

These enforcement efforts are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Angelenos are encouraged to help keep our roadways safe by Reporting Drunk Drivers and Call 911!

The LAPD would like to remind all Angelenos of their responsibility to help prevent DUI fatalities and injuries from occurring.  If you are planning or attending a Super Bowl party where alcohol will served, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.  Anyone arrested for DUI should be aware that it could result in fees over $10,000, time in jail, loss of driving privileges and increased automobile insurance rates.

MEDIA NOTES:
To schedule an interview regarding the LAPD’s DUI enforcement activities, please contact Officer Don Inman, Emergency Operations Division, at 213-486-0703.  For information regarding impaired driving efforts and programs in California please contact Chris Cochran, California Office of Traffic Safety at 916-905-3063 or via email at ccochran@ots.ca.gov.