The Redwood City Police Department called on all those who commemorate the Battle of Puebla, to celebrate with responsibility this May 5th, to avoid unfortunate incidents.
For many people throughout the country -especially for the Mexican community- Cinco de Mayo is a time of cultural celebration and fun that may involve alcoholic beverages, so authorities asked to celebrate with caution and not to drive while intoxicated.
Thus, this Thursday, May 5, the Redwood City Police Department will have additional officers on patrol ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the agency said in a statement.
"We understand the celebratory nature of this day for many people, but it's not an excuse to drink and drive," said Redwood City Police Department Police Chief Dan Mulholland.
"There are many options for getting home safely that don't involve you driving," he stressed.
In that regard, the Redwood City Police Department encouraged everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, carpool or public transportation.
"The Redwood City Police Department would also like to remind everyone that Driving Under the Influence (DUI) does not only mean alcohol," said the authority, referring to the use of drugs or narcotics that affect behavior, mood or perception of things.
The authority detailed that the funding for Cinco de Mayo DUI enforcement comes from a grant from the California Office of Highway Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In California, DUI offenses are considered a "prior" offense. This means that the punishment increases with each successive DUI conviction within a ten-year period.
The penalties for a DUI in California can be severe, depending on whether you are facing your first, second, third or subsequent drunk driving conviction.
Most drunk driving cases are prosecuted as misdemeanors, although certain offenses will be elevated to the felony level for a California DUI.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican commemoration for the "Battle of Puebla", where it is celebrated that the Mexican army defeated the French army.
On May 5, 1862, the Army of the East, commanded by the young General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the invading troops of Napoleon III. "The Battle of Puebla" represents one of the most glorious episodes in the history of Mexico.
The celebration has spread not only throughout Mexico but also throughout the U.S. and areas where the Mexican community lives abroad.
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