Grant targets drunk drivers

Drivers traveling State Route 67 can expect stepped-up enforcement and community outreach as a result of a $265,000 grant California Highway Patrol has received from the state Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a war on drunk drivers.

In the past three years, from 2005 through 2007, 11 people died and 65 were injured in DUI-related collisions along the 25-mile stretch of SR-67 between Ramona and Lakeside, reports Brian Pennings, public information officer with the CHP’s El Cajon office.

The grant will pay for the “Arrive Alive—Don’t Drink and Drive” SR-67 Sober Driving Coalitions project.

“The grant will pay for aggressive DUI (driving under the influence) enforcement, public education and community outreach to try to reduce DUI-involved collisions,” said CHP El Cajon Area Capt. Teresa Sumprer.

CHP enforcement efforts will include roving DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints during times there historically has been a high incidence of DUI driving violations. CHP will be working with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and Probation Department.

A task force of elected officials, community members and other government partners is being formed to look at the broad picture of DUI and how to address DUI issues along the corridor. The task force will be tasked with recommending what community outreach program will be most effective.

The grant took effect April 1 and will end March 31, 2010.