Motorists can use tip line to report suspected drunk drivers

Drunk drivers on California roads no longer have to worry only about CHP cars in their rear view mirrors. Now it’s easier than ever for any motorist on the road to report them.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has teamed up with the Office of Traffic Safety, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs to install signs at California’s roadside rest stops.

The signs promote a toll-free tip line, (800) Tell-CHP, that motorists can use to report suspected drunk drivers. The signs are part of a larger effort aimed at curbing driving under the influence across the state.

“I’m proud to be part of this innovative partnership aimed at saving lives,” said Caltrans Director Will Kempton. “We are asking the public’s help.”

The goal of the new public safety campaign is to enlist the public in the effort to crack down on people driving under the influence. According to state officials, it also helps divert calls away from the 911 system.

The full campaign is being developed with the help of an advisory committee comprised of campaign partners and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the California Trucking Association, the California Restaurant Association and PennySaver. It will include additional public events at roadside rest stops throughout the state prior to the summer driving season. Educational brochures will also be disseminated at all highway rest stops throughout the summer travel season.

CHP says it will follow up all calls to the toll-free number with letters to the registered owners of the reported vehicles, notifying them that their vehicles were suspected of being driven by someone under the influence.

This story provided courtesy of StatePoint Media.