The San Diego Sheriff’s Department has launched a special DUI enforcement effort to control DUI cases connected to the Del Mar Racetrack. On opening day of the iconic races, ten people were arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol out of a total of 25 who were evaluated. Out of these evaluations, three drivers were also cited for driving on a suspended license and one for driving without a license. Sheriff deputies and police officers from all over the county are in patrol of the area, covering 111 traffic stops in Del Mar and surrounding areas in Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Northern San Diego, from around 4 p.m. to midnight as a DUI saturation patrol. The effort includes officers from San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego State University, and University of California San Diego departments, all in support of zero tolerance. The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A grand total of forty-five citations have been issued thus far and 10 vehicles have been impounded. Drivers found guilty of impaired driving can face jail time, insurance hikes, loss of their license, and fines up to 10,000, all of which are subordinate to the danger they are putting themselves and others on the road in when they get behind the wheel. Now facing DUI charges, these recent arrestees are highly recommended to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to address the charges against them. Law enforcement officers will continue to be out in force and on the lookout for drunk drivers for the remainder of the horse-racing event. Sheriff’s Lt. Julius Faulkner stated in a press release, “If you’re over the limit, you will be arrested.” San Diego law enforcement is encouraging motorists who see drunk drivers to call 911 and report them right away.
Sources:
“Opening Day DUI Crackdown”– U-T San Diego, July 18, 2013
“10 Arrested During DUI Patrol”– CBS8 News, July 18, 2013
“DUI Patrols out in Force”– U-T San Diego, July 17, 2013