As the Independence Day weekend approaches, the Sacramento Police Department is launching a "Know Your Limit" campaign to educate residents on the dangers of excessive drinking and driving. Announced via a social media post, the initiative will run from today until Saturday in downtown bars and restaurants, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The "Know Your Limit" program is as interactive as it is educational, offering patrons the opportunity to take voluntary breathalyzer tests to understand their blood alcohol content (BAC). In a statement obtained by the Sacramento Police Department, they claim the goal is not only to inform individuals of the legal limit but also to assist them in making more informed decisions about driving after drinking.
California law states that it is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher. Sharing information detailed by the California Driver Handbook, the campaign points out that, on average, it takes a woman between 120-160 pounds two drinks within an hour and a man between 180-220 pounds three drinks within the same timeframe to exceed the legal limit. With the average cost of a first-time DUI offense running approximately $13,500, the consequences of drunk driving can be profound and long-lasting.
Sergeant Anna Mahoney emphasizes the initiative's core message, "It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limit." According to the Sacramento Police Department, the program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While the festivities of the Fourth of July often include alcohol, the Sacramento Police Department encourages citizens to plan ahead. Whether by designating a sober driver or using alternative transportation methods.
