RBPD Ramps Up DUI Enforcement

The is reminding area drivers that there are "no holiday festivities in jail" as police ramp up efforts to combat drunk driving during the holiday season.

With the goal of keeping drunk drivers off the road and also raising awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence, police said they will conduct a DUI and driver's license checkpoint in Redondo Beach on Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.

Although the exact location of the checkpoint was not disclosed, police say it will be set up in an area that has the greatest potential for deterring drunk and drugged driving.

"If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle," said RBPD police chief Joe Leonardi. "It will not be a happy holiday behind the bars of a jail cell." 

The Dec. 30 checkpoint comes in addition to the already increased patrols that started last Friday and will continue until the new year on Jan. 2.

RBPD is also encouraging partiers to plan a way home before any festivities begin, designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use sober ride programs such as the AAA-sponsored Tipsy Tow.

"Don’t let your 2011 holiday season end in an arrest or worse, death," said Leonardi.