AVOID The 12 Plans DUI Checkpoint for Independence Weekend in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara - JULY 3rd, 2010

A sobriety checkpoint in Santa Barbara on Saturday night and extra DUI patrols all over the county are on the enforcement calendar for Avoid the 12’s Independence Day weekend crackdown on drunk drivers.

The checkpoint is a multi-jurisdictional effort. Sheriff’s deputies and officers from Santa Maria, Allan Hancock College and Guadalupe will participate.

The four-day crackdown starts Friday, July 2, and continues until midnight Monday, July 5, said Deputy Win Smith of the county Sheriff’s Dept., campaign coordinator.

It is part of a statewide crackdown of 40 similar countywide campaigns set for the same time. All available California Highway Patrol officers will be assigned across the state.

Smith requests that drivers who see cars being driven erratically phone the information in to mobile 911, but he has a warning.

“Calling it in is the responsible and admirable thing to do. However, never try to follow the car, stop the car or detain the driver. Leave that to law enforcement officers. We’re trained, experienced and equipped and can do it safely.“

Avoid the 12 will hit the roads again for an 18-day summer DUI enforcement mobilization that starts August 20 and ends Sept. 6, just after the Labor Day weekend. It is part of a national campaign.

The Santa Barbara County campaign, like all 41 similar countywide crackdowns in California, is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.