The City of Cotati Police Department and the Rohnert Park Dept. of Public Safety will participate in the countywide anti-DUI Avoid the 13 Program, sponsored by the California Office of Traffic Safety (Avoid the 13).

There will be 13 Sonoma County law enforcement agencies taking part in the program.

The AVOID the 13 program seeks to publicize the combined DUI enforcement efforts of all participating law enforcement agencies to raise awareness of the increasing problems associated with drinking and driving.

These efforts are focused especially during the holiday periods throughout the year when drinking and driving appears to increase. During the Memorial weekend from Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28 the Avoid the 13 agencies will participate in increased DUI enforcement.

“If you are over the limit, you are under arrest,” Cotati Police Chief Mike Parish said. “Please designate a driver before you leave home if you plan to consume alcohol.”

Also, law enforcement agencies urge anyone to immediately call 911 if they see a suspected drunk driver. Be prepared to inform the 911 dispatcher of the involved vehicle description (license plate if possible) and the direction the car is traveling.