Officers Added For Marin July 4 Weekend DUI Patrols

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Additional officers will be on patrol for DUI over the three-day 4th of July weekend, the San Rafael Police Department said.

A DUI checkpoint is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. through 1 a.m. on Saturday.

“Follow the speed limit, designate a sober driver and be thoughtful of others on the road also going to visit family and friends this weekend,” Police Chief David C. Spiller said in a statement.

“Help make the Independence Day holiday safer for everyone by being calm, courteous, and patient when traveling.”

According to AAA Southern California, travel volumes in the state are expected to be above pre-pandemic levels (2020) and 46.1 percent higher compared to last July 4, so patience will be key. Allow extra time to get to your destination.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 36 people were killed in collisions during the Fourth of July Maximum Enforcement Period from July 3 to July 7 last year. CHP officers also arrested more than 1,300 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Those celebrating or hosting holiday events are urged to offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking and to check on how anyone known to have been drinking is getting home.

Anyone who witnesses impaired driving or sees someone driving recklessly is asked to call. call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.