As Labor Day weekend approaches, Inland law enforcement officials warn that they’ll be patrolling the roads in full force to keep drunken drivers off the road.
And DUI patrols such as the ones planned this weekend ensure the roads are clear of impaired drivers, said California Highway Patrol Officer Darren Meyer, who spent 18 years as a patrol officer.
Alcohol-related deaths on Inland Southern California highways have been at rock bottom for the past two years, according to numbers provided by the California Highway Patrol. Alcohol-related deaths on Inland Southern California highways have been at rock bottom for the past two years, according to numbers provided by the California Highway Patrol.
Two people died in alcohol-related crashes on San Bernardino-area highways last year. That’s compared with 32 alcohol-related roadway deaths across the whole state.
The year before, the Inland CHP division — which covers most of San Bernardino County and a few western Riverside County cities — reported no DUI-related deaths.
Meyer attributes DUI patrols like the ones planned this weekend to keeping people off the roads.
“We spread the word and let people know, ‘Hey, if you’re gonna be out there celebrating, understand that we’re going to be out there in force looking for impaired drivers,’” Meyer said.
“With so many options, there really shouldn’t be any reason to drink and drive,” said Riverside-area CHP Officer Dan Olivas. “You’ve got your Uber you got your Lyft. … We’re definitely encouraging people to either have a designated driver or use one of those options to get you where you’re going.”
