Designate a Driver Before the Fiesta Begins NA10108rh

May 3, 2010

WHAT:   
Sobriety Checkpoints
    
WHEN:   
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
6 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Northeast Area)
        
Friday, May 7, 2010
7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (Newton Area)

Friday, May 7, 2010
9 p.m. – 3 a.m. (North Hollywood Area)

Saturday, May 8, 2010
8 p.m. – 2 a.m. (Hollywood Area)

WHERE:   
Northeast Division, Newton Division, North Hollywood Division and Hollywood Division.
    
WHO:   
Traffic Coordination Section                
    
WHY:               
In effort to keep the streets of Los Angeles safe during the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the LAPD will conduct the following sobriety checkpoints during the upcoming week.  Cinco de Mayo has become a traditional time for many to celebrate California’s rich cultural history.  But it is also a night out with expected dangers when someone chooses to drink and drive.  Party hosts, bars and restaurants this year must be sure to plan and promote designating sober drivers in advance – before the ‘Fiesta’ begins.

To ensure a safe and festive Cinco de Mayo, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) recommends the following tips:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Designate a sober driver;
Leave your car keys at home;
Call a taxi, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely;
Call 911 if you see a possible drunk driver on the road; and,
Take the car keys away from someone who is about to drive impaired and assist them in getting home safely.

Funding for the checkpoints is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  We can all help make our streets safer, please report Drunk Drivers – Call 911.  

Contact:    
For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-486-0703.