Additional patrols, checkpoint in Merced County planned for Cinco de Mayo

A DUI checkpoint will take place Thursday night in an unincorporated area of Merced County, the California Highway Patrol announced.

Authorities urge anyone celebrating Cinco de Mayo to take precautions and have a plan to travel safely.

CHP officials did not release the exact location of the checkpoint, but confirmed it would operate from 6 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday.

Officers said drunken-driving laws would be enforced but that the primary purpose is to raise awareness regarding the dangers of driving under the influence.

The Avoid the 11 campaign also will have additional officers on patrol throughout the day targeting drunken drivers, according to a statement from the Merced Police Department.

“Police, sheriff and CHP routine patrols will also remained focused on drivers showing signs of intoxication,” officers said.

Police said 343 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend in 2014. Of those 343 people who lost their lives, 34 percent died in drunk-driving crashes.

Officers said about 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.

“A final statistic to remember: drunk or drug impaired driving deaths are 100 percent preventable,” police said.

Both efforts are funded through grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Additional patrols, checkpoint in Merced County planned for Cinco de Mayo."