Ramped-up DUI patrols planned for Cinco De Mayo weekend

Law enforcement in San Benito and Monterey counties are ramping up drunken-driving enforcement efforts this Cinco de Mayo weekend.

DUI saturation patrols will be out in force from Friday, May 2 through Monday, May 5.

“The Avoid the 20 campaigns throughout the state focus on holidays that many people celebrate with alcohol,” said Salinas police traffic Sgt. Gerard Ross.

Ross reminds people to drive “stone-cold sober” every single time and to always designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

“Never get into a car with a drunk driver,” Ross reminds residents. “Use your cell phone to turn in dangerous drivers you see by dialing 911, and buckle your seat belt before you even stick your key into the ignition.”

Avoid the 20 will be on the road again over the Memorial Day weekend and Independence Day weekends.

Special DUI patrols will also be deployed throughout Santa Clara County, in Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale, looking to identify and stop suspected drunk drivers. Additionally, every routine traffic and patrol officer assigned to duty in Santa Clara County will be on heightened alert, authorities said.

“Cinco de Mayo has unfortunately become one of the most dangerous days of the year, all because of drunk driving,” said Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. “Some people have this misconception that they can drink a little, and drive safely, but that’s just not true. Everyone needs to remember that ‘Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving,’ and there’s never an excuse for it.”