Sonoma Authorities Beef Up DUI Programs

December 17, 2009

Sonoma County - Authorities are beefing up their checkpoint program which aims to keep drunk drivers off the road during the holiday season, the California Highway Patrol said Thursday.

CHP Officer Jon Sloat said the rate of DUI drivers increases every holiday season as alcohol is often associated with merry-making.

“People have more excuses to drink during holiday period and attend parties and after-work events”, Sloat said.

With an annual Avoid the 13 program, the CHP is planning to put more than 250 checkpoints in different locations in the county for the next two weeks.

In a press release, Santa Rosa Police Sgt. Doug Schlief said this year’s campaign will start next Friday until Jan. 2.

“This program does not only keep DUI drivers off the road; it also aims to increase awareness on the dangers of drunk drivers and to encourage the practice of designating sober drivers who will not consume alcohol beyond the legal limit”, Schlief said.