Full Notification

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Valley Traffic Division
December 31, 2013

Impaired driving is one of the most serious and preventable dangers we face on our streets. Impaired driving is a killer on our streets all year long and the tradition of celebrating the holidays with alcohol leads to an increase of traffic collisions resulting in injuries and death.

Last year, 10,322 people lost their lives in a DUI-related collision in the United States (NHTSA). Locally, in the City of Los Angeles last year, there were 2,087 DUI-related traffic collisions resulting in very serious injuries and sixteen (16) people died. Nine-hundred fifty-five of those DUI-related collisions occurred here in the San Fernando Valley. There were 9 DUI-related deaths in the Valley in 2012.

We conduct aggressive enforcement on those motorists who choose to drink and drive. Los Angeles Police Officers last year arrested 14,707 impaired drivers. Five thousand six hundred sixty-nine of those arrests were made here in the San Fernando Valley. Personal responsibility is critical to improving roadway safety. Drivers have to do their part by celebrating responsibly to keep everyone on our streets, freeways, and highways safe. Impaired driving is 100% preventable. You choose to drink and drive.

Being arrested for a DUI is costly. The average price tag in the United States for a first time D.U.I. arrest is about $10,000, while in the Los Angeles area that cost is $15,649. This includes impound fees, increase in car insurance premiums, judiciary dues, time away from work to attend court, etc. This cost does not include if there are injuries in a collision, or worse, a loss of human life.

Impaired drivers don’t think of safety. They put other drivers and pedestrians at risk of becoming involved in a traffic collision. If impaired drivers don’t think of safety, we will think of safety for them! If you are over the limit you will be under arrest! Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving!

Throughout this year, the Los Angeles Police Department has conducted 157 Sobriety Checkpoints. Our neighboring law enforcement partners have also had Sobriety (DUI) checkpoints in their respective communities. Some DUI checkpoints, or saturation patrols, will continue this evening. This coming year (2014), with funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), we have planned to conduct 160 Sobriety Checkpoints in Los Angeles with the aim at making our city safer by arresting impaired drivers, reducing the number of traffic collisions, and saving lives!

R-U-O-K to drive? is a ridiculous question. If you think he or she has had too much to drink, help that person find a safe way home.

The best defense against an impaired driver is to wear your seatbelt. For your children, ensure they wear their child safety seat. Buckle up every time, even if you are just going to the corner or on a road trip.

DUI prevention is everyone’s concern. You can do your part by calling 911 when you suspect someone is driving impaired. An inaction can cost a life! Please provide the description of the vehicle, the license plate number, and its direction of travel. We will do the rest.

We will have undercover vice officers inside bars and in night clubs posing as customers to verify that bartenders are not serving alcoholic beverages to obviously intoxicated customers. If they do, they will be cited. L.A.P.D. vice officers will also be keeping an eye out for customers who have had too much to drink and cannot take care of themselves in public. We don’t want intoxicated party-goers to become easy prey for vandals.

Undercover vice officers will also be concentrating on the reduction of alcohol accessibility to minors at off sale liquor stores and similar businesses. If a liquor store clerk sells to a minor, they will be cited on the spot! Do not sell to a minor. Protect our youth.

Los Angeles Police Officers will be working undercover, in uniform, on foot, on bicycles, on motorcycles and in patrol cars looking for impaired drivers.

Throughout this weekend, during this New Year’s Eve, and throughout the entire year, we ask that you drive sober or you will get pulled over!

1. If you will be drinking tonight, or any night, do not drive.
2. Before you leave your home plan how you will return home safely.
3. Use a taxi or take advantage of the great programs the MTA, AAA or similar community programs in your area.
4. Have a designated driver before the festivities begin.
5. Don’t let the LAPD be your designated driver!
6. Don’t welcome the New Year in jail, the hospital or the morgue!!!
7. We want you to have a Happy New Year tomorrow morning when you wake up!