The Sacramento Police Department is beginning a new educational program to combat drunk and impaired driving.

This Friday, May 22, 2015, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., officers will be getting out of their patrol cars and talking to patrons in downtown bars, clubs, and restaurants to promote safe and sober driving.  This innovative program will include providing information on designating sober drivers, taxis and ride programs such as Lyft and Uber.

In the spirit of the “know your limit” campaign, patrons will have the opportunity to participate in a Preliminary Alcohol Screening, also known as a field sobriety test, along with being provided educational material.    

According to Sergeant Chris Prince of the Sacramento Police DUI Enforcement Team, “DUI collisions in the city of Sacramento, since January of 2012, have claimed 28 lives and injured 864 drivers.  All of these collisions could have been prevented had the driver recognized the need for a sober driver.”  

The goal of this program is to show patrons, who could potentially get behind the wheel, safe and sober transportation options, and provide field sobriety tests to help them understand their level of impairment.

Explanations by officers will include how drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and total expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment of receiving a DUI conviction.

Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Chris Prince at (916) 808-6069. Media is encouraged to attend to spread awareness about the impacts of drinking and driving.  Specific locations will be released during the event. Follow us @sacpolice #SPDknowyourlimit