EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Sober Streets Movement, and local and state law enforcement agencies gathered Friday to launch Saturation Saturday, a regional initiative focused on preventing impaired driving and increasing enforcement efforts.<\/p>\n
The press conference was held at the El Paso Police Department\u2019s Northeast Regional Command.<\/p>\n
Participating agencies included the El Paso Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and several area police departments.<\/p>\n
The effort comes ahead of El Paso City Council\u2019s Tuesday discussion on a proposed citywide Anti-DWI Strategy.<\/p>\n
Council directed the City Manager and City Attorney in May to develop recommendations for a data-driven response to impaired driving.<\/p>\n
The strategy is expected to include recommendations involving prevention, enforcement and policy advocacy.<\/p>\n
Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso launches Saturation Saturday ahead of anti-DWI strategy (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Veronica Diaz with the Sober Streets Movement, who said she lost her son to a drunk driver, urged people to arrange a ride before going out.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave a plan before you go out,\u201d Diaz said. \u201cWho\u2019s going to be the designated driver? Who are you going to call in case you overdo it? The last thing you want is for one of your own family members to get that phone call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lupe Hernandez Lucero, whose son was killed by an impaired driver, said the effort is about every family affected by impaired driving.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy son\u2019s life mattered,\u201d Hernandez Lucero said. \u201cThis is not just about my son. This is for every family that\u2019s been impacted.\u201d<\/p>\n
The El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office said 55 deputies volunteer for its DWI Task Force, which is deployed during weekends, holidays and major events.<\/p>\n
The office said it has made 460 DWI arrests so far this year.<\/p>\n
Lt. Jaime Esparza with the El Paso Police Department\u2019s DWI Task Force urged people to make transportation plans before drinking or using any impairing substance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re going to drink don\u2019t get behind the wheel,\u201d Esparza said. \u201cPlan ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drivers can reduce the risk of impaired driving by choosing a designated driver, arranging a rideshare or taxi before going out, or staying where they are. If someone is about to drive impaired and poses an immediate danger, call 911.<\/p>\n
City Council is scheduled to discuss the Anti-DWI Strategy on Tuesday, Sept. 1.<\/p>\n
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