Costa Mesa police plan three DUI-related patrols

In California, nearly 1,500 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes last year with more than 30,600 others injured, according to the Office of Traffic Safety.

Because of numbers like that, state officials and local authorities are urging everyone to have a designated driver or remain sober when they get behind the wheel this year.

With funding from the state, Costa Mesa police will conduct three saturation patrols and one DUI checkpoint in December, officials announced Friday.

During saturation patrols Costa Mesa police will have additional officers on the streets looking for drivers who appear to be under the influence. This is only additional force and won’t hinder police efforts to respond to routine calls, said Sgt. Bryan Glass.

Police have not yet set a specific date or location for the next DUI checkpoint.

— Joseph Serna