DUI patrols in Merced County to increase for Super Bowl

Law enforcement in Merced County plans to increase patrols over the weekend in an effort to curb drunken driving around Super Bowl Sunday.

“Drunk driving is completely preventable,” Merced police Chief Norm Andrade said in a statement. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink or drive, but never do both.”

The Avoid the 11 – Merced County DUI Task Force will be deploying roving DUI saturation patrols during and following Sunday’s Super Bowl game.

The California Highway Patrol on Friday placed additional officers on the streets to focus on DUI-related patrols and investigations. That effort will continue throughout the weekend, Officer Moises Onsurez confirmed.

“Our goal is to remind people that drunk driving is a decision, and you can save yourself a lot of time and a lot of money making the right decision beforehand and planning ahead,” Onsurez said.

In 2013, the most recent year for which data is available, 867 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in California, or 29 percent of all crash fatalities in the state, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The average DUI case costs about $10,000 in total fines, fees and court-related costs, law enforcement officials said.

“For those who plan to drink, leave your keys at home. Designate a sober driver, whether it’s a friend, relative, taxi or public transportation,” police said in the news release. “For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol.”

This story was originally published January 30, 2015 at 1:28 PM with the headline "DUI patrols in Merced County to increase for Super Bowl."