In a recent law enforcement operation, two drivers under the influence were removed from the roads of La Quinta on Friday. The operation was carried out by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Thermal station and La Quinta Traffic team.
The sheriff’s office released a statement indicating that the operation, which ran from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. on December 29, targeted drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and aimed to improve overall traffic safety. The initiative resulted in 44 traffic stops, six field sobriety tests, two arrests for driving under the influence, 21 citations and two arrest warrants. Funding for this operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The sheriff's office further highlighted in their press release that drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties along with a suspended license. They also cautioned residents about certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can impair driving abilities, reminding them that operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
According to a press release by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) was initiated at 6:01 p.m. on December 29 and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on January 1, 2024. Despite similar enforcement efforts between December 22 and December 25, CHP reported that there were still twenty fatalities in crashes and nine hundred DUI arrests within their jurisdictions.
The CHP press release also emphasized their commitment to closely monitoring drivers suspected of being under the influence. "As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic. Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt. If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life," stated the release.