Holiday Crack Down on Drunk Driving

HALLOWEEN PLANNER

CONTACT: Officer Richard Jensen, 562-945-8256, rjensen@cityofwhittier.org

Whittier Police Department, 7315 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602

Beware! This Halloween
Don’t Let Your Good Time Turn Into a Nightmare
Drunk Driving Will Not Be Tolerated


[Whittier, CA]—Halloween is a much-loved fall tradition that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil a fun evening. That is why state and local law enforcement will be out in full force this Halloween cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. enforcement blitz.

“Halloween should be a time for scary costumes, trick or treating with the kids and good family fun,” said Officer Jensen. “But unfortunately, Halloween has also become a very dangerous and deadly night of the year due to impaired driving.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 pm Oct. 31 to 5:59 am Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2006,in California 4,195 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 1,597 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

For a safer Halloween weekend The Whittier Police Department recommends these simple tips:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;

“Real-life Halloween nightmares are simple to avoid if you make smart decisions. Never drive drunk. Designate your sober driver in advance. No exceptions. No excuses. Remember, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest..”

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.