Avoid DUI Task Force Deploys Extra Patrols For Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a special opportunity together with friends and co-workers for chips, salsa and margaritas, celebrating California’s rich cultural diversity. It is also a night when dangerous and often deadly outcomes occur because another impaired driver hits the road drunk.

Solano County’s “Avoid the Solano 10” DUI Task Force will be deploying overtime patrols onto city streets - including Dixon's - while CHP will be saturating the freeways and unincorporated communities. They will be looking for signs of a drunk driver to stop, test and arrest those who have had too much alcohol.

Everyone, including hosts, local bars and restaurants, must be sure to promote designated sober driver in advance, before the “Fiesta” begins.

To keep it safe, everyone must be sure to promote designated sober drivers in advance, before the “Fiesta” begins.

Plan ahead with these tips:

• Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins

• Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver

• Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.

• Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party-provide plenty of food.

• If you see dangerous driving, Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Vallejo Police Chief Robert Nichelini “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance.”

Avoid the Solano 10 DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Just how many drinks does it take for you to be impaired? Check out the attached video of our Sonoma Patch editor Alexis Fitts getting drunk and getting behind the wheel -- during the CHP's St Patrick's Day Sobriety Challenge.