DUI patrols in Oakdale as rodeo’s in town

During this Oakdale Rodeo weekend, the Stanislaus County Avoid the 12 DUI task force will conduct special patrols to specifically target those who drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Drunken and drugged driving remains the No. 1 killer on roadways, with 1,197 alcohol-involved deaths and more than 23,000 injuries reported statewide in 2013, according to a news release from the law enforcement coalition.

Rodeo events already are underway. The queen coronation is Thursday evening at 6 at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. There are slack events – tie-down roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing – Friday morning and afternoon at the rodeo grounds. The rodeo parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association performance at 1 p.m.; the rodeo dance begins at 7 p.m. at the rodeo grounds clubhouse.

Avoid the 12 did not provide information on specific times the patrols would be in effect.

Separately, the Modesto Police Department announced that its traffic unit will conduct a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits, along with special DUI roving saturation patrols during the month.

A DUI checkpoint is set for Friday from 8:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Saturation patrols will be deployed Saturday between 7:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m..

DUI checkpoints are a proven effective method to lower DUI numbers, police report. Additionally, drivers will be checked to ensure they have valid licenses. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 11:31 AM with the headline "DUI patrols in Oakdale as rodeo’s in town."