FRESNO (KMJ) — Labor Day is almost upon us.
It’s the day we honor the American worker and simultaneously say goodbye to the warm months. Obviously in the Central Valley that’s a good thing as it means we get cooler temperatures.
In fact we’re predicted a high of 82°F in Fresno, about 10°F lower than we’ve been experiencing recently. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a three day weekend, you may be tempted to have a few drinks with those cooler temperatures. That fear is prompting the ‘Avoid the 21’ DUI summer enforcement program.
“Along with the 21 agencies in both Fresno and Madera Counties [we’re] looking for those impaired drivers”, explains Clovis Police Corporal John Weaver.
Their goal is to stop drivers getting behind the wheel while under the influence, and they’re conducting enforcement efforts in both Fresno and Madera Counties in order to keep the roads safe.
“We’re only catching that small portion of drivers out there, because there are some drivers of course that do avoid detection. They do take back roads of alternate routes.
“But the whole goal is not to drive…to find those alternative ways to get home safely”.
The National Safety Council predict this will be the deadliest Labor Day since 2008. Their figures show California has one of the highest upward trends of deaths on the road.
Advice for those taking longer journeys is to stay focused and alert, and remember to give yourself extra time so you’re not feeling rushed while trying to get to your destination.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
