Regional “Avoid The 12” law enforcement partners will team up for the 2016 Stanislaus County Fair in nearby Turlock through July 17, deploying officers focused on enforcing impaired driving crimes. The team will consist of members from each of the Stanislaus County police and sheriff departments, and the California Highway Patrol.

Officers will be patrolling throughout the City of Turlock and the fairgrounds area looking for the telltale signs of impaired driving.

“It is the hopes of the Avoid the 12 DUI Task Force that everyone enjoys the fair festivities, but that they know “When to Say When,” said Deputy Patrick McCulloch, “and to plan for a designated driver prior to consuming alcoholic beverages.”

“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” added Rhonda Craft, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance.”

Law Enforcement encourages everyone planning to attend the Stanislaus County Fair to first think about how your friends and family will get home after drinking during the event. Everyone is encouraged to report drunk drivers. Call 9-1-1 and be ready to describe the vehicle, its location and direction of travel to help keep your community safe.

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

The Avoid the 12 DUI Campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.