A press release from the Kern Sheriff Department reads:

Local, Statewide & Nationwide DUI Crackdown to begin Friday Night with First of 300 DUI Checkpoints

WHAT: The Kern AVOID DUI Taskforce will have a Press Conference to re-enforce the message to Kern drivers not to drink and drive during this winter holiday season because thousands of others stand ready to report you!  Fellow commuters are asked to Report Drunk Drivers - Call 9-1-1.

Descriptions and details of DUI enforcement activities occurring over the holiday season will be highlighted by local law enforcement personnel, safety advocates and local community members partnered to help save lives. Anyone requesting further information can contact Kern AVOID Coordinator Travis Mitchell at 661-333-6505 or visit the following website: www.californiaavoid.org.

The Kern AVOID task force is composed of all law enforcement agencies throughout Kern County that are allied together to combat drunk driving in the cities and unincorporated areas. The program is called the AVOID program because motorists can “avoid” being arrested by not drinking and driving. This year 300 Checkpoints are planned statewide, with several right here in Kern.

WHEN: Thursday December 17, 2009 at 1000 hrs.

WHERE: Bakersfield Police Department Auditorium Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. 

WHO: Kern Chief’s of Police including Bakersfield Police Chief Bill Rector, Sheriff Donny Youngblood and California Highway Patrol Commander Brian Smith will be on hand along with the all the other Police Chiefs and law enforcement officials from agencies throughout Kern County.

WHY:  Drunk Driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2008, California lost 1029 lives by individuals driving with a .08 BAC or higher – 28,457 were injured.  In Kern County the loss of life in 2008 stands at 23 killed with another 711 injured in Alcohol Involved Collisions.  Law Enforcement is doing everything in their power to prevent the need to contact a loved one breaking the news that their family member died at the hands of a drunk driver this holiday season.  Do your part, always plan celebrations with a Designated Driver and Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

CONTACT: Travis Mitchell, Kern AVOID Coordinator

Phone: 661-333-6505 (C)    Email: mitch8360@aol.com

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.