Staff Reports

California – The holidays are cause for celebration, and sometimes the celebration that involves alcohol consummation can go too far.

In an effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries over the 2015 New Year’s Holiday, a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) was conducted beginning at 6 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 31, and continued through 11:59 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 4. During this MEP period, all available CHP Officer were on patrol.

The MEP results for this past holiday weekend were, unfortunately, significantly increased over last year. 28 people were killed in collisions statewide (more than double over last year); and 1,158 DUI arrests were made by CHP Officers statewide (triple over last year). In Los Angeles County alone, six people were killed and 236 DUI arrests were made (only one person was killed and 104 were arrested for DUI last year).

CHP’s goal is to reduce the amount of roadway deaths, and they strive to educate the motoring public that the use of safety belts saves lives, and driving under the influence is never a good idea. The results can be deadly.

Drinkinganddriving.org wants to help educate you and remind you about the dangers of driving under the influence.

Follow these tips:
• Know the truth about blood alcohol levels and how drinking affects your actions.
• Know yourself (what’s at risk?).
• Think about the “3 Fs” – Family, Friends, and Future (who will your actions affect?).
• Understand what a costly mistake underage drinking is.
If you plan on drinking:
• Get a ride;
• Get a room;
• Appoint a Designated Driver
If you are offering drinks:
• Be an excellent party planner and be accountable for what (and to whom) you serve;
• Don’t be afraid to confiscate car keys, offer a room or couch, or call a taxi for those that overdo it;
• Stop serving alcohol well before your guests are expected to leave.
Have a Happy New Year, but don’t become a statistic. Don’t drink and drive!