Crime & Safety

'Zero Tolerance' For DUI During 4th Of July

Twin Cities Police will crack down on drunk driving and fireworks in Larkspur and Corte Madera during the Fourth of July week.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Twin Cities Police Authority is encouraging safe driving and will be cracking down on speeding, distracted driving and drunken driving. The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays due to an increase in drunk-driving fatalities.

Officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for drunk drivers, according to a press release. "Drunk driving is a serious crime. If you're caught we'll place you under arrest. No exceptions. No excuses."

Much of the tragedy that comes from impaired-driving related crashes could be prevented if everyone would take a few simple precautions before going out to party this Fourth of July.

Always follow these tips for a safer July 4th celebration:

• Whenever you plan on using alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;

• If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;

• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;

• And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

• Wearing your safety belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;

The Twin Cities Police Authority would also like to remind the public that fireworks are illegal in the County of Marin. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year the Corte Madera and Larkspur Fire Departments respond to fireworks-related fires and injuries. The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable.

On the 4th of July, 911 centers become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. Unnecessary 911 calls block people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help.

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Twin Cities Police non-emergency number at (415) 927-5150.

The Twin Cities Police Authority wishes everyone a safe Fourth of July this holiday weekend.


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