The month of December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention (3D Month), backed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” National Crackdown is scheduled for December 13th through 31st, and is also backed by MADD, NHTSA, and GHSA. Now that the holiday season is here everyone is revving up for travel and holiday activities.
With the holidays and its celebrations comes an increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic; and often, the increased consumption of alcoholic beverages. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in December 2007, 992 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is above the legal limit in every state as well as the District of Columbia.
Consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs severely hinders a driver’s ability to observe traffic conditions, make appropriate driving decisions, and taking the necessary actions when operating a vehicle safely. The consumption of alcohol, drugs and driving just don’t mix, and can result in an arrest for impaired driving or worse, a tragic crash. Here are simple steps you can take to enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing your life or the lives of others who may be on the road:
Plan a safe way home BEFORE the festivities begin;
Whenever you expect to drink, designate a sober driver 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;
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, promptly report them to your local law enforcement;
Wearing your seat belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;
And remember, 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.
It’s important that people be responsible and to also remember that even “buzzed” driving is drunk driving. Driving a vehicle or a motorcycle while impaired is not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Make smart decisions and do the right thing this holiday season and throughout the year. As the old cliché goes, the life you save just may be your own. Plan ahead, so you can assure a safe way home.
For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
Avoid Driving Distractions
During the holiday season, many people rely more heavily on wireless communications while operating their vehicles. The number of holiday travelers increases substantially, which also increases the chances for a collision or other mishap. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies such as route navigation systems, combined with cellular telephone use, have raised concerns regarding heightened driver distraction levels. Research results suggest that voice recognition technology is a better alternative to manual entry while driving. Please ensure that you remain focused on the safe operation of your vehicle and do not allow this type of driving distraction to interfere with your or your family’s safety.
West Traffic Division Specialized Units
The combined enforcement efforts of all West Traffic’s officers serve to both educate the public and decrease the number of tragic collisions. The WTD Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Task Force will continue to be in full operation throughout the month of December to help decrease the incidence of DUI related traffic collisions, injuries, and deaths.
The Community Traffic Services Unit (CTSU) is one of the specialized units operating as a part of WTD that works to resolve community concerns. If you have traffic safety concerns in a particular area, you may voice your concerns by contacting CTSU at 213-473-0451 or the WTD front desk at 213-473-0222. For more information, please see CTSU's WebPage listed under “About West Traffic” on WTD’s home page.
The areas within Operations-West Bureau and WTD are Hollywood Area, Wilshire Area, West Los Angeles Area, and Pacific Area. Any of the geographical areas' WebPages can be accessed via LAPDonline. Please check the Crime Prevention Circular for the areas that are of particular interest to you.
The personnel of West Traffic Division wish you a safe and happy Holiday Season.
Captain Nancy D. Lauer
Commanding Officer
West Traffic Division
Traffic Tips
Look both ways TWICE before crossing the street.
ALWAYS wear your seatbelt and properly secure children in your vehicle.
Don’t drink and drive.
Please slow down. Speed kills.
We Care and Want You to be Safe
We care about you and your loved ones and we want you to be safe. Therefore, we are enforcing all traffic laws, including our occupant protection laws. We are serious about not seeing injured (or dead) people laying helplessly on our streets and highways as occurs much too frequently. It’s tough for us to see your, or a family member’s, frightened look when your front door is opened and you or your loved one see us standing there. We know it doesn’t have to end up like this.
We will do what it takes to help save your life. California has safety belt and child passenger restraint laws. Don’t take a chance with your life…or with us showing up at your doorway. Please buckle up.
west bureau 
