RPD Enforces Law During Halloween Weekend

REDLANDS>> Over the Halloween weekend, law enforcement kept their eye out for the tale-tell signs of drunk driving in order to stop and arrest impaired drivers throughout the region. The Redlands Police Department reminded Halloween partiers that "buzzed driving is drunk driving." “Just one drink impairs judgment, so plan to get home by taxi, ride share, mass transit, or designate a sober driver. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so plan ahead and stay safe,” said Redlands Chief of Police Mark A. Garcia. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 43 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involved drunk driving on Halloween night from 2009 to 2013. Over that same period, 119 people were killed by drunk driving. Children out trick-or-treating and the parents accompanying them are also at risk as 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night (2009-2013) involved drunk drivers. When possible, specially trained officers were available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Everyone should be mindful that when taking medication – whether prescription, over-the-counter or marijuana – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects. 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 has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000. Drivers can stay safe by planning a safe way to get home before attending a party, designate a sober driver or take public transportation, a car service, or call a sober friend of family member to get home. Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home. If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely. Funding for this DUI operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’. Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681 ext. 1. Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at cityofredlands.org/police/report. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the Redlands Police Department mobile app available for android, iPhones and iPads.