DUI Enforcement Heightened over Holiday Weekend

San Rafael police will be joining Marin County's Avoid the 13 task force, taking to the streets in full force over the July 4 weekend.

The task force cracks down on drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, on the watch for impaired drivers with an aggressive enforcement blitz.

"Driving under the influence isn't worth the tremendous risk," said San Rafael Police Chief Matt Odetto. "No matter your age, if you've had too much holiday spirit, you'd better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high."

Marin police agencies will be putting additional officers on the streets and highways over the holiday weekend. The Californnia Highway Patrol will deploy all available officers during the maximum enforcement period.

Christopher Murphy, director of the state office of traffic safety, said driving while impaired is a crime.

"Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don't mix," Murphy said. "With 1,233 people killed nationwide during the past three July 4th holidays, it's vitally important to stop this destruction of lives and futures."

Violaters face jail time, the loss of their driver's licenses, higher insurance rates and dozens of other unanticipated expenses, he said. 

"You don't have to be falling-down-drunk to be a threat to yourself and others on the road," Odetto said.