DUI Regional Taskforce partners from PCSO, DPS, Florence PD and Casa Grande PD pictured prior to the start of a recent operation.

FLORENCE, Ariz. – Motorists planning to head out and celebrate the New Year this weekend are reminded to do so responsibly.

The Pinal County Regional DUI Taskforce will begin its annual holiday crackdown for impaired drivers starting tonight and will run through Saturday evening.

There will be checkpoints throughout the county including the city of Casa Grande where the operation command post will be located.

On 12-23-2011, Alberto Gutier, Director of the Governor’s Office for Highway Safety announced statewide statistics for DUI enforcement, commending law enforcement efforts to curb impaired driving. Guier stated, “As of today, you've made 42,918 traffic stops compared to 31,788 last year and arrested 2,644 individuals for DUI. The number of DUI arrests reflects 300 fewer than last year, a good sign since you identified 1,088 Sober Designated Driver's reflecting an increase of 100 over the previous year's total. Additionally, you issued 17,143 other citations. Thank you all for your service, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

GOHS provides additional funds each year to PCSO to pay for staffing checkpoints and extra patrols. PCSO is closing in on 100 DUI citations this holiday season alone.

PCSO Traffic Sgt. Hunter Rankin, who also heads the DUI Regional Taskforce stated, “Plan your night before heading out. If you know you’re going to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver or take a taxi. Our ‘all hands on deck’ approach to finding impaired drivers means you’re much more likely to end the night locked up in the back of a patrol car if you decide to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “We want people to celebrate the holidays responsibly. I thank Director Gutier for supporting PCSO efforts to get impaired drivers off our roads and behind bars where they belong. If you drive impaired, we will find you - bottom line.”