DUI Checkpoints In Effect For Cinco De Mayo

Law enforcement agencies throughout Riverside County will be ramping up patrols today to crack down on motorists whose celebration of Cinco de Mayo includes drinking and driving.

The county's Avoid the 30 campaign -- named for the number of agencies that participate -- will include saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints to nab drunk or drug-impaired drivers, according to Riverside police Sgt. Dwayne May, the Avoid spokesperson.

He said officers will be working overtime in some communities, thanks to funding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk,'' said Riverside police
Chief Sergio Diaz. "Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and dozens of other expenses. So don't take the chance.''

At checkpoints, authorities will not only be looking for signs of
intoxication, but also checking for valid driver's licenses, and individuals caught with suspended or revoked licenses could have their vehicles impounded, according to May.

He recommended that partygoers and hosts designate a sober driver before the start of any "fiesta.''

Another Avoid operation is planned for Memorial Day weekend. --City News Service