The Chandler Police Department’s Traffic Section will participate in a DUI Task Force from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 10, and from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17.

Officers will also conduct the "Know Your Limit" educational awareness program at the Ostrich Festival on the same dates.

These programs are funded by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Know Your Limit is a non-enforcement program that aims to educate the public on the effects alcohol has on an individual’s blood alcohol level.  Qualified officers will provide attendees with the opportunity to blow into a portable breath tester.

These individuals will then be able to see how their alcohol consumption affects the amount of alcohol in their bloodstream.

Officers will also provide the participant with an informational flier outlining the program.

The ultimate goal of the Know Your Limit program is to provide alcohol awareness to individuals who have consumed alcoholic beverages and allow them to understand their level of alcohol.  This information will allow people to make informed choices before they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Officers participating in the DUI Task Force are specially trained in the detection of roadway impairment caused by excessive alcohol consumption and use of illicit or excessive prescription drugs.

The goal of the task force is to remove impaired drivers from the road before the damaging, often tragic, consequences that result from the poor decision to operate a vehicle under the influence. 

Chandler Police ask the public to remember always to wear seat belts. Also, call for a ride or use a rideshare app any time alcohol consumption is part of a celebration.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.