Police Plan DUI Saturation Patrols on Cinco de Mayo

La Mesa police plan extra patrols Thursday—Cinco de Mayo—looking out for drunken drivers in one of their recurring “saturation patrols.”

“For many, Cinco de Mayo celebrations traditionally involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages as party-goers celebrate,” said police Sgt. Peter Andersson in a press release.

“But irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil all of the fun.  Cinco de Mayo can be a particularly deadly night due to drunk drivers.”

There are precautions that celebrants of the Mexcian holiday can take:

•  La Mesa Police Department recommends these tips for celebrants:
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking,  designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, and haven't designated a sober driver, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement. To report drunken drivers, call 911.

 “All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers,” Andersson said.  “This DUI Saturation Patrol is another effort to reduce those tragedies and make sure that everybody has a safe and fun Cinco de Mayo.”

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.