This past Labor Day holiday period, the Avoid the 6 partnered with law enforcement statewide in the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk-driving
enforcement campaign. From August 19-September 5, local police, sheriff and CHP showed zero tolerance
for impaired driving, arresting 55 offenders for the deadly crime.
The Avoid the 6 ramped up its usual enforcement efforts, deploying several roving DUI saturation patrols.
The Avoid the 6 said that by removing 55 drunk drivers from the roads, many lives were likely saved.
“For us, saving one life would make the campaign worthwhile,” said District Attorney Vern Pierson. “We
wanted our community to know that we do not tolerate drunk driving. Our law enforcement was out in full
force, pulling over and arresting drivers who were under the influence. We wanted people to know the
message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” he said. Through TV, radio, social media the high-visibility
enforcement campaign aimed to increase awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. According to
NHTSA, this aggressive approach has proven effective in the past for enforcing other types of traffic safety
laws, such as seat belts usage.
“We encourage anyone heading out for the night to please plan a safe ride home before you take the first
sip,” said District Attorney Vern Pierson “This is a key to preventing drunk driving. If everyone planned
ahead, lives would be saved.”
“There is never a safe time to drink and drive,” said Chief Robert Cosley. “In partnership with NHTSA, we
ask everyone to please consider the deadly consequences of their actions. Remember: Drive Sober or Get
Pulled Over, every day of the year.”
From August 21 to September 7, you probably noticed the ‘Avoid the 6’ DUI Task Force was out in full
force, targeting one of the deadliest killers on the road: drunk driving. The enforcement was part of the
national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, to save lives and make our roads safer. DUI
enforcement resulted in far too many drunk driving arrests and citations countywide over the past 18 days.
Law enforcement officials will be conducting more anti-DUI efforts throughout the region again during
Halloween before planning for the December Winter DUI Mobilization. Police, Sheriff and the CHP
encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911! anytime you
encounter a dangerous impaired driver.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
