DUI crackdown begins tonight

Independence Day is still two weeks away, but state and local law enforcement agencies will begin their annual Fourth of July crackdown on drunk driving tonight.

More than 500 police agencies across the state will be taking part in this year’s Operation Zero Tolerance campaign, which kicks off at 9 p.m. and runs through Sunday, July 5.

“If you plan to party this July Fourth, remember there are so many simple ways to prevent tragedy,” said Bob Dallas, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

“Arrange for a sober driver, store taxi cab company numbers in your cell phone, or take mass transit,” Dallas said. “If you’re the designated driver, you too can help by reminding passengers about open container laws and not allowing alcohol to be consumed in your car.”

The DUI crackdown is a part of the GOHS “100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T.” initiative that runs through Labor Day weekend. Traffic enforcement officers will be patrolling the state’s highways all summer, watching for speeders, impaired drivers and those violating seat belt and child restraint laws.