Full Notification

Petaluma Police Department
News Release

For Immediate Release
9/9/24

On Friday 9/6/24 from 7 A.M to 5 P.M., the Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit worked a pedestrian and bicycle safety operation throughout Petaluma.  During this operation, 45 vehicles, 8 bicyclists, and 2 pedestrians, were stopped for various traffic safety issues.  There were 38 citations issued including two subjects who were found to be driving on suspended driver’s licenses.  Bicycle and Pedestrian safety continue to be a focus in Petaluma and the Petaluma Police Department is committed to enforcing applicable laws surrounding these vulnerable users of our roadway.  

On Saturday 9/7/24, The Petaluma Police Department attended the Petaluma Craft Beer Festival on Water Street and participated in our “Know Your Limits” campaign from 1 P.M to 5 P.M.  During this campaign, patrons were invited to participate in a brief survey and receive a complimentary breath test so that they could “Know Their Limits”.  Throughout the festival, we had the opportunity to speak with and test 142 people.  This campaign was very successful and informative to all the people who participated in our program.  We will continue this program into the future at various events.

On Saturday 9/7/24, The Petaluma Police Department employed an additional 5 Officers to patrol and look specifically for impaired drivers.  During this operation from the hours of 4 P.M. and 2 A.M., Officers arrested two subjects for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
 
The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma, to plan ahead and either designate a sobor driver, use ride share or call a taxi to avoid drinking and driving. Driving Under the Influence is 100% preventable.

The Petaluma Police Department is committed to increasing overall traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions. We will continue our efforts to locate and identify impaired drivers. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 to $20,000 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

If you witness a suspected DUI driver, the Petaluma Police Department encourages citizens to call 911.

Funding for the Bicycle/Pedestrian Operation, “Know Your Limits” Campaign and DUI Saturation Patrol was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Media inquiries may be directed to Sergeant Walt Spiller at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4596.