Officers on Alert for Drunk Drivers

Local police agencies will be on alert this week as the drunk-driving season nears its peak: New Year’s weekend.

Since Thanksgiving, the California Highway Patrol, Thousand Oaks police and the Lost Hills sheriff’s station have beefed up patrols and checkpoints. Officials said holiday parties and social drinking tend to increase the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We’re going to have more officers out there,” CHP Officer Steven Reid said. During holiday weekends such as New Year’s, the CHP sends out all available officers on patrol.

According to CHP statistics, drinking and driving was the greatest cause of traffic deaths last year. Statewide, alcohol-related cases accounted for nearly 30% of the 3,252 fatal collisions. Locally, the CHP reported 23 drunk-driving arrests, but no accidents, on last year’s New Year’s Eve.

“We urge folks not to drink and drive,” Reid said. “If you’re going to go out and want to drink, designate a driver, plan to use a taxi to get home. If you’re going to go out and drink, plan how you’re going to get home before you go out.”

During New Year’s weekend, the CHP warns that motorists should:

* Assign a designated driver if they go out drinking.

* Leave at least two to three extra seconds of driving space between their car and the vehicle in front, if the weather creates poor visibility.

* Stay in the right-side lane if they are driving slower, so others can pass.

* Always use a turn signal when changing lanes.

* Avoid blocking the right-turn lane.

* Use seat belts.