Indio Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol on 08/13/2017, between the hours of 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM. High Visibility Enforcement efforts like this have a deterrent effect, lowering the incidents of impaired driving. The following are the results of the eight-hour operation:
- 36 Vehicle enforcement stops
- 1 DUI-Alcohol/Drug suspects arrested,
- 7 Drivers evaluated for DUI
- 0 Arrested on other Criminal Charges
- 0 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
- 3 Vehicles were towed
- 16 Citations issued
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft, or Curb.
Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
The DUI Saturation Patrol was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.”