Weekend DUI Arrests Drop, No Deaths
Arrests of drunken drivers dropped by 10 percent in Santa Clara County over the Memorial Day weekend and no alcohol-related deaths were reported, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officers took 106 intoxicated drivers into custody, compared with 118 last year throughout Santa Clara County.
Alcohol-related injury crashes dropped from five last year to two, and no one died this year, compared with one death last year.
The enforcement sweep included six in-city DUI teams and freeway saturation by three area commands of the CHP as well as patrol emphasis on DUI with officers on regular beats.
Avoid the 13, which gets its name from the 13 law enforcement agencies that began it in 1973, will sponsor another four-day crackdown over Labor Day. Officers will be out again in force for three weeks at the end of the year.
Statewide, there were 1,639 arrests for driving while under the influence compared to 1,539 arrests last year, an increase of 9.3 percent. There were also 36 alcohol-related deaths, two less than last year. CHP officers said eight of the deaths could have been prevented by wearing seat belts.
AARP Safe Driving Classes Offered
The nation’s first and largest classroom refresher course for motorists 50 and older to help drivers familiarize themselves with safety and new laws. Three-year DMV certificates will be awarded for discounts on auto insurance, upon completion of the one-day program. No tests – course, class materials, and instructor are provided by AARP. There is a minimal DMV certificate fee. The next class is June 10 in Morgan Hill.
Details: Call between 1 and 6pm only, 776-1413.
Summer reading program at the Morgan Hill Library
The Morgan Hill Library will begin its summer reading program today at 3pm with a special kick off celebration at the library at 1757 Peak Ave. The celebration includes a scheduled appearance by Python Ron, who travels around with his large reptiles. The summer reading program will include activities for children, teens and adults. Anyone may also recommend books for people to read.
Details: 779-3196
AAA Switching to Hybrids to Conserve
The American Automobile Association (AAA) of Northern California’s fleet of company-owned cars is going green. The company announced in May it will be swapping out its entire fleet of 400 vehicles with hybrids. The automotive insurance and travel services giant will purchase 250 hybrid cars in 2006 and another 150 over the next two years. The Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape have been selected to re-stock the fleet.
The decision to convert the fleet to hybrids is part of the AAA Greenlight Initiative, a program launched in November 2005 to promote the development and understanding of new automotive fuels and fuel-related technologies.
