This Labor Day weekend, the City of Carlsbad Police Department will be conducting a “Know Your Limit” educational campaign from September 2 through September 5.
Although this is an annual campaign, with the Carlsbad City Council ratifying a local emergency proclamation for traffic safety earlier this week, its message is more important than ever.
Officers will be out at local bars and restaurants to educate patrons on how important it is to “Know Your Limit.” The program is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, and how little it takes to reach the legal limit to drive a vehicle. It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher in California.
Officers will be conducting the campaign from noon - 10 p.m. During this time, officers will invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they can guess their BAC. Those participating are asked how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe it is safe to drive. Officers will educate participants on the impacts of alcohol on one’s ability to drive, and the consequences of a DUI.
“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make educated decisions about how they get home after a night of drinking,” said program coordinator Officer Kyle Clement. “As little as one drink can impair a driver, and that’s why it is so critical that people know when not to drive.”
It is important to note that a person’s height, weight, food intake, drug and/or medication use and how much they drink over a period of time are all factors that affect BAC.
The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid risking a DUI by designating a sober driver or using rideshare services.
Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information
Officer Kyle Clement, kyle.clement@carlsbadca.gov
Police media contact
Jodee Reyes, Public Information Officer, jodee.reyes@carlsbadca.gov
