MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police will step up their enforcement of drunk driving as part of a national campaign called “Over the Limit. Under Arrest,” which runs from August 18 through September 6.

To help bring awareness to this campaign, the Police Department’s Traffic Services Section plans a sign-waving event on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday (August 18). Volunteers are encouraged to participate.

Although Traffic Enforcement Unit and patrol officers conduct roving patrols and DUI checkpoints year round to protect the public from motorists driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will be out in full force during this anti-drunk driving campaign, said Dieter Blattler, the Police Department’s traffic safety coordinator.

“At least eight of the 15 traffic fatalities since the beginning of this year were related to drugs, alcohol or both,” Blattler said. “Every impaired driver we take off the streets represents a potential fatal crash being prevented and anguish being spared to families throughout this island.”

Blattler reminds the public that the county offers a Shared Ride Taxi Program, allowing for the purchase of coupons for discount taxi rides from participating companies.

“A taxi ride under this program can cost as little as $4 for a 9-mile ride,” Blattler said. “If you drink and don’t have a sober, licensed designated driver, don’t take a chance–take a taxi.”

For more information, call the Mass Transit Agency at 961-8744 or visit the program’s web page at www.heleonbus.org/shared-ride-taxi-program.