SPPD doesn’t want drinking and driving to mar holidays

December 22, 2006
Santa Paula Police Department

Make sure if you indulge in too much ho-ho-ho this holiday season that you don’t drink and drive, said a Santa Paula Police spokesman.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesMake sure if you indulge in too much ho-ho-ho this holiday season that you don’t drink and drive, said a Santa Paula Police spokesman. Drinking and driving is again being targeted by heightened law enforcement activity throughout Ventura County this year, noted Sgt. Fogata.“Don’t drink and drive, make sure if you’re out with friends that your group has a designated driver” who will stick to soft drinks or coffee. People who have parties should make sure that each group of guests does have a designated driver, and provide plenty of non-alcoholic drinks at the celebration.If someone does become inebriated and wants to leave, “lose” their car keys away and have someone who has not been drinking take him or her home... then the keys can reappear to allow access to the house. If you feel you’ve had too much to drink, ask for a ride and leave your car at the party... you can always pick it up the next day.
If you’ve been drinking but don’t believe that your driving would be impaired, drink coffee and wait a while anyway. DUI arrests are both embarrassing and expensive - fines are high and insurance impacts expensive - and in the worst cases drunk drivers have been responsible for accidents that injure or even kill other people or themselves, turning holiday joy into tragedy.If you think a driver is under the influence, call 911 and report where the vehicle is, a description of same and what direction it is heading. Weaving in and out of traffic, wide turns, driving very slow and straddling the center divider are just a few signs that the driver might be inebriated.Sgt. Fogata said that everyone should also be careful and “slow down during the holidays... people are out driving around at night looking at the decorations and lights,” but must keep their eyes on the road to avoid hitting pedestrians or another vehicle.“The SPPD wishes everyone a happy - and safe - holiday,” said Sgt. Fogata. “We want everybody’s Christmas to be merry and provide good memories.”



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