Del Mar CA – Deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department in partnership with Police Officers from Chula Vista Police Department, Escondido Police Department, National City Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego County Probation, SDSU Police Department, and UC San Diego Police Department, conducted DUI Enforcement Patrols in and around the Del Mar Race track on opening day of the racing season.
The purpose of the DUI Enforcement Patrols was to deter drinking and driving and remove impaired drivers from the public highways which could lower deaths and injuries associated with drinking and driving.
The AVOID Agencies had 14 teams of deputies and officers who conducted 183 traffic stops, evaluated 36 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and arrested 13 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. One of the driver’s arrested for DUI was also charged with possession of metal knuckles. In addition, one person was cited for possession of marijuana, 50 traffic citations were issued and four vehicles were impounded.
The “Zero Tolerance” DUI Saturation Patrols were targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver before their celebration begins. Funding for this program is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to watch and report impaired drivers each and every trip around town or during summer vacations: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1 anytime motorists encounter that dangerous driver. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Avoid trouble by taking the train. North County Transit District and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club are once again offering the popular “Pony Express” combo ticket. The ticket is available every day except opening day for the July 17 through September 3 racing season. The $11 ticket includes round-trip fare on the COASTER, SPRINTER, and BREEZE; Stretch Run admission; and a free shuttle between the Solana Beach COASTER station and the racetrack.