Juveniles Arrested for DUI

Officers made five DUI arrests in Marin County Friday night and early Saturday morning and two of those drivers were under 21 years of age, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Marin County deputies responded to a report of a hit and run collision near the restaurant on N. San Pedro Road in San Rafael just after midnight on Saturday. Deputies tracked the car that was allegedly responsible to the 300 block of Vendola Drive. The 18-year-old driver of the car, a San Rafael resident, was turned over to Marin CHP for a DUI evaluation and was arrested on suspicion of DUI, being involved in a hit and run collision, and driving under the influence while under 21, CHP officials said.

CHP officers arrested another 18-year-old from Novato at around 2 a.m. Saturday on suspicion of DUI, driving on a suspended drivers license, and driving under the influence while under 21, according to the CHP.

Recent teen arrests for DUI are not part of a sudden crackdown, but rather part of a consistent and ongoing effort, CHP officials said.

"What we have not been consistent with in the past is highlighting our enforcement activity with minors and persons under 21 who commit the drug, alcohol, and impaired driving violations," CHP Sgt. Marcus Bartholomew said in a statement. By highlighting the underage DUI arrests, CHP officials hope to raise awareness of the issue within the Marin County community, he said.

CHP officials urged parents of teen drivers to help prevent underage DUI incidents by setting curfews, enforcing juvenile licensee restrictions in regards to passengers and driving hours, and arranging for alternate transportation if their child is faced with getting in a car with an impaired driver.

Bay City News contributed to this report.