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Home > News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Fifty Percent Increase in DUI Arrests (Update 2)

Fifty Percent Increase in DUI Arrests (Update 2)

Don't Drink and Drive!

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Update 2 — Wednesday 5:00 a.m.

Running Springs, CA – The Avoid the 25 campaign to arrest persons driving under the influence during the long Memorial Day weekend resulted in a 50 percent increase in the number of DUI arrests over the same period a year ago in the Arrowhead service area.

While there were no traffic fatalities in the Arrowhead area during the maximum enforcement period, the number of DUI arrests by the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department jumped from four (4) in 2007 to six (6) this year.

Twenty-five law enforcement agencies in San Bernardino County will be participating in the AVOID the 25 DUI campaign for Memorial Day weekend. (Photo by AVOID the 25.)

The San Bernardino service area recorded a 35 percent increase in DUI arrests logging 23 in 2008 compared to 17 in 2007. The same area recorded one fatal DUI crash this year compared to two last year.

The entire division (Inland Empire including portions of Riverside County) actually recorded a two (2) percent decrease in DUI arrests with 137 this year, down three (3) from Memorial Day 2007. The San Bernardino area fatality was the only one recorded in the region. However, the number does not include two off-highway fatalities that occurred May 24 at the Rasor Off-Highway Vehicle area and on May 26 at Dumont Dunes.

The largest jump in DUI arrests was in the Needles service area where there were five (5) arrests compared to two (2) the previous year, an increase of 150 percent.

Update — Sunday 4:50 a.m.

San Bernardino County — The Avoid the 25 DUI enforcement mobilization began at 6 p.m. Friday and continued through Monday (May 26) at midnight.

Numerous arrests have been made since the DUI Taskforce's efforts began. The Public is encouraged to report drunk drivers by calling 911.

Original Story

San Bernardino County -– The Avoid the 25 DUI Taskforce's maximum enforcement period for the Memorial Day weekend is underway.

California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies and local police agencies will check all motorists at the checkpoints for signs of intoxication and impaired drivers will be arrested reminding all—Drunk Driving! Over the Limit! Under Arrest!

The summer season sees a rise in deaths and injuries and 25 law enforcement agencies in San Bernardino County will be out in force this Memorial Day weekend. In addition to checkpoints, law enforcement officers will have additional enforcement operations in the mountain communities and Big Bear Lake.

The Avoid the 25 DUI Task Force is composed of 25 local law enforcement agencies throughout San Bernardino County allied together to combat driving under the influence (DUI) in the unincorporated area and cities. The program is called Avoid program because motorists can "AVOID" being arrested by not drinking and driving.

The Avoid the 25 DUI enforcement mobilization will begin at 6 p.m. Friday (May 23) and continue through the weekend until Monday (May 26) until midnight.

Funding for the Avoid the 25 DUI program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Visit http://www.californiaavoid.org for all of the regions DUI enforcement operations.

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