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California Highway Patrol

Law Enforcement Cracking Down On Drunk Driving This Super Bowl Sunday

Santa Clarita Valley law enforcement plans to be on the lookout for drunken drivers Sunday for the Super Bowl, and cautioning everyone to not drink and drive.


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“The CHP will be more vigilant when looking for impaired drivers,” California Highway Patrol Officer John Lutz said. “We’re cautioning the motoring public to plan ahead, make good decisions and have a designated driver if they plan on drinking.” 

Nationally, the Sheriff’’s Department and the California Highway Patrol joins with the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Football League and TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) for the Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign, which encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking.

“Drunk driving is an act that is completely preventable,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “All it takes is a little bit of planning to prevent a tragedy. We want Californians to remember that drinking and getting behind the wheel is a choice. If you choose to drink, do not drive, it is that simple.”

Alcohol was involved in nearly 225 collisions on Super Bowl Sunday 2012 (the most recent year that finalized collision data is available), according to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Out of the 225 collisions, eight resulted in death and 79 resulted in injuries throughout California.

CHP Officials Warn Against Drowsy Driving

CHP Officials Warn Against Drowsy Driving

The CHP will work with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to discourage the public from driving under the influence (DUI), and to try to remove those drivers who are impaired before they injure or kill themselves or others. During the same Super Bowl Sunday in 2012, 422 people were arrested on California’s roadways by the CHP for DUI.

The public is also encouraged to be a team player by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect a drunk driver. Callers should be prepared to provide the vehicle’s description, license plate number, location and direction of travel.

To see more information about DUIs in Santa Clarita, click here.

For minors who are partying and need a ride home, Santa Clarita Valley Safe Rides is operational from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and offering “a free and confidential ride home,” according to its website.

The free ride home is for teenagers who are not in a condition to drive, and for those who don’t want to ride with an unsafe driver. The number to call for Santa Clarita Valley Safe Rides is 661-259-6330.

Other companies providing safe rides in the Santa Clarita Valley

Social media apps such as Uber and Lyft offer a for-pay online taxi service, whereby someone can download the free app, which will link up to a person’s GPS and let the user know what drivers are available in their respective areas.

Designated Drivers of Santa Clarita is a local company on Facebook that charges $20 for a ride home in Santa Clarita on New Year’s Eve. The number for Designated Drivers of Santa Clarita is 661-313-8336, and according to a message on the line, the DD will start taking calls at 5 p.m. for inquiries, and rides become available after 7 p.m.

If people would like a taxi on Super Bowl Sunday, local Santa Clarita Taxi company is also available, and preparing for a long night, said owner Rob Rasmussen, who said the company has been operating for more than 20 years in Santa Clarita.

“People can only schedule rides in advance prior to 10 p.m.,” he said. “Between the hours of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., we just can’t guarantee a specific time, but we will get there as soon as possible.”

Depending on where the nearest cab is, during the busiest hours, sometimes a ride is available within 15 minutes, however, after 11 p.m. a wait of more than an hour would not be surprising, he added. The number for Santa Clarita Taxi is 661-260-2227.

There’s a standard rate for Los Angeles County, he said, noting the meter starts at $2.85 and charges an additional $2.70 per mile, for those considering a taxi budget for their ride home after a party, he said.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

KHTS AM 1220 - Santa Clarita Radio

Law Enforcement Cracking Down On Drunk Driving This Super Bowl Sunday

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About Evan Stevens