PHOENIX (AZFamily) – Throughout Labor Day weekend, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies in the Valley will conduct their DUI Enforcement Taskforce.

This action is being carried out in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Traffic Safety. There will be an increased presence of sheriff’s deputies and officers to stop drunk drivers.

The MCSO works closely with police departments in the East and West Valley to ensure there are enough DUI enforcement officers and emergency vehicles on site to protect people from the dangers of driving and boating while under the influence.

Sergeant Joaquin Enriquez said the department faces hundreds of drunk drivers and boaters year-round, but sees an increase on long holiday weekends like Labor Day. He urges people to take their time and plan their weekends to avoid making decisions that could change their lives forever.

“It’s all about making responsible decisions. But we all know that when you’re impaired, your judgment is the first thing that goes away,” said Sergeant Enriquez. “If you’re going to a party, you’ve probably already planned it. You do so much preparation, so why not go the extra mile and figure out how you’re going to get home or where you’re going to stay?”

Last year on Labor Day, the MCSO made 150 traffic stops, including a drunken wrong-way driver, and 80 emergency calls on the waters of Lake Pleasant and the Salt River. Dozens of DUIs and BUIs were issued last year.

Sergeant Enriquez said this was all the result of poor planning and decision-making.

“It’s sad because we have so many resources today, so many rideshares you can call or call a friend, there are so many options,” he said. “The decision you make will not only affect your life, but potentially someone else’s life, so do yourself a favor and just find another option.”

He emphasized how important this was because he had seen how life-changing it could be if you didn’t take that extra step of planning.

“Now that person is ruined, they’re going to go to jail, charges are being filed, I mean, their life is affected forever, so why not make the good decision to designate a driver who doesn’t drink, call a ride share, do something other than drive,” said Sergeant Enriquez.

Whatever your plans for Labor Day, MCSO recommends sitting down with your friends and family and discussing the following:

• What do we do every day?
• Who will drink?
• When and where will we drink?
• Who can be the designated driver?
• Should we order rideshares?
• Can someone pick us up if we can’t drive?
• Can we stay at a friend’s house nearby so we don’t have to drive?

The DUI Enforcement Taskforce will begin operations Friday afternoon and work around the clock until the early hours of Tuesday morning.

If you see a driver driving recklessly, aggressively, or in the wrong direction, call 911 immediately.

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