Law Enforcement and First Responders Mobilize to Prevent Impaired Driving; 'Here's One for the Road: Designate a Non-Drinking Driver'.

SAN DIEGO -- Law enforcement and first responders from throughout San Diego County joined the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) at San Diego State University (SDSU) today to launch California's annual Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month campaign. The month-long effort aims to educate drivers and passengers about the importance of designating a non-drinking driver this holiday season and throughout the year.

OTS has provided more than $4.7 million to fund 155 grants for law enforcement statewide to conduct a concentrated wave of sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols between December 16th - January 2nd as part of the national campaign, You Drink & Drive. You Lose. In addition, several San Diego County agencies have received funding to beef up equipment and resources for the area's first responders. Six fire engines for the El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee Fire Departments will be equipped with new rescue tools and extrication equipment.

"It's unfortunate that something as preventable as impaired driving can cause so much pain and suffering and unnecessary loss of life," said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. "California's law enforcement, fire, rescue and other first responder personnel are the ones on the front lines who see it everyday. We want to be sure they have reliable resources and equipment to help save as many lives as possible."

Alcohol-related fatalities in California have slowed to the smallest annual gain (0.9 percent) in the last six years.

"The smartest thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones this holiday season is not drink and drive," said CHP Commissioner Mike Brown. "Otherwise, your chances of spending the holidays in jail are about to increase significantly."

Students at SDSU are taking this advice to heart. As part of a week-long safety observance, the campus has dedicated Thursday, December 8th to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving and DUI prevention. SDSU Associated Student Government and Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol will encourage students to sign DUI pledge cards, committing to always designate a non-drinking driver and remind others to celebrate responsibly.

Statewide, 1,462 people were killed and 31,538 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2004, compared to 1,445 fatalities and 31,337 injuries in 2003. In San Diego County, 110 people were killed and 3,180 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2004.

California's 3D Month campaign is a collaborative effort among OTS, CHP, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Caltrans, the California Restaurant Association and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

--Statistics are based on 2004 California Highway Patrol SWITRS data and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.