Police add patrols to curb drunk driving

The Laguna Beach Police Department will be conducting a DUI and drivers license checkpoint at an undisclosed location, along with implementing special DUI roving saturation patrols this weekend, according to a news release.

The checkpoint is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday. The saturation patrols will be in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 60 injury crashes harming 85 of our friends and neighbors,” said Lt. Jeff Calvert in a statement.

Statewide, DUIs led to 791 deaths, the release said. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths accounted for the largest of overall vehicle fatalities in 2010 with 29% of all deaths caused by a drunk driver, it stated.

The department also said it added additional officers last weekend to patrol the city for drivers under the influence during the holiday season.

The Police Department recommends following these tips to stay safe on the road:

•Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

•Before drinking, designate a sober driver.

•If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

•If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

•And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

—Britney Barnes

Twitter: @britneyjbarnes