Riverside County sheriff’s deputies will step up patrols in multiple locations Friday to catch Cinco de Mayo celebrants who risk drinking — or drugging — and driving.
“Don’t put yourself and others at risk and drive impaired,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. “If you’re planning to celebrate with a drink or two, leave your keys at home and designate a sober driver.”
Deputies in Moreno Valley, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and San Jacinto will be conducting targeted patrols to snare suspected drunken or drugged motorists.
Officials emphasized that partygoers have the option of calling a cab, using public transit or hailing a private ride service such as Lyft or Uber as an alternative to getting behind the wheel and putting themselves and others at risk.
A misdemeanor DUI conviction in California can result in fines up to $10,000, jail time, probation and revocation of a driver’s license. A felony conviction stemming from injuries or death in a DUI crash can result in a state prison sentence if the motorist is convicted.