DUI Checkpoint, Patrols Planned in Marin for Fourth of July Weekend

A San Anselmo DUI checkpoint and “saturation patrols” throughout the Marin are planned for this Fourth of July holiday weekend, July 4-7.

Also this weekend, the California Highway Patrol will deploy all available officers on freeways and county roads for a “maximum enforcement period” beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 and ending at midnight on Wednesday on Sunday, July 7. 

The DUI checkpoint is planned for Friday, July 5, in San Anselmo from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays due to impaired-driving fatalities,” said San Rafael Police Traffic Sergeant Jim Correa in a release. “Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July holiday weekend showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers.”

San Rafael Police Spokesperson Margo Rohrbacher said in a release that impaired-driving crashes killed more than 10,000 people in 2010, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States. That’s an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 51 minutes, she said.

Consequences of a DUI arrest include jail time, insurance hikes, loss of driver’s license, embarrassment, and costs up to $10,000, Rohrbacher said.

“Those who try to drink and drive this Fourth of July should be forewarned. We will be out in force looking for impaired drivers, and we will catch and arrest you.  No warnings. No excuses,” Correa said. 

Tips from the Avoid the 13 DUI Task Force and California Highway Patrol for the Fourth of July weekend:

• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to report it - call 911.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
• Always wear your seat belt. Make sure all passengers, adults and children, are also buckled up.
• Watch your speed. Stay at or below the limit, depending upon road conditions.
• Plan ahead if you will drive long distances. Add extra time to your trip so you will not feel rushed and take a break every hour or so to get refreshed.
• For more information, visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.