CHP Drives Home Designated Driver Plan

Most media outlets in the Bay Area received the following statement from California Highway Patrol press officers this morning, as follows:

As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, a day for festivities, we want to the public to know the CHP will be actively searching for drivers under the influence. “Driving under the influence is just not an option,” said Chief Teresa Becher of Golden Gate Division.

“If you sit behind the steering wheel of a vehicle and make the decision to drink excessively and drive, you are putting lives in danger. It could be your parent, a spouse, a child, a friend, whose life maybe erased in just seconds. It might be the loss of a hand, an arm, or even being paralyzed for the rest of their lives. We’ve seen enough so please think of others and be responsible.”

If you are going to imbibe in the spirits, plan ahead and “designate a driver.” If you are that designated driver, be accountable and don’t drink. Your friends are counting on you to get them home safely

This week, throughout the Bay Area, the CHP is going after those individuals they had previously arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and who failed to follow through with their court responsibilities. CHP knocked on the door of 54 individuals with DUI warrants and arrested 16. “And we’re not finished,” said Chief Becher.

The CHP is continuing the service of their DUI warrants and will persist through the week. If you have a warrant and don’t want the CHP at your door step, you can turn yourself in to any CHP office or the local police or sheriff department.

Have a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day!