Palo Alto, CA -- On Friday, December 12, officers from the Palo Alto Police Department will join law enforcement throughout Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties in the annual "Avoid the 13" anti-drunk driving campaign which will run through January 2, 2004.

Since 1974, Palo Alto has participated in the program with stepped up enforcement, DUI checkpoints and public awareness campaigns. Last year, officers in Palo Alto arrested 60 persons for driving under the influence during this three-week period.

Besides additional traffic officers patrolling the streets during the busiest nighttime hours, DUI checkpoints have been scheduled for December 20th (in cooperation with Los Altos Police) and on December 26th.

"There is absolutely no excuse for a driver in this day and age to drive while intoxicated," says Officer Chris Hammett, a motorcycle officer who will be working on the campaign. Hammett is highly involved with efforts throughout the year as well, teaching at the Palo Alto Citizen Police Academy and at a commercial driving school.

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