120 Cars Confiscated, 20 For Drunk Driving At Palmares
The Palmares festival is in full swing and so is the Policía de Tránsito, who are keeping to their no tolerance policy on drinking and driving.

As of last night, Tránsito has confiscated 120 vehicles for various reasons, of which 20 were been driven by drivers over the legal alcohol limit, in other words, drunk.

Huanelgue Gutiérrez, sub-director of Tránsito, said that his officers will be out 24 hours a day in the area surrounding Palmares until January 23, when the festival winds down.

Gutiérrez says the primary objective is to guarantee public safety as the enjoy the festival and for vacationers on the highways to and from the beaches. "We will continue a no tolerance for the consumption of alcohol by those behind the wheel", said Gutiérrez.

Gutiérrez stated that the success of last year gives his officers the motivation to continue their efforts. Reducing fatalities and injury from traffic accidents is important. Speeding is the cause for many accidents, along with imprudent or careless drivers. Add Alcohol to the mix and you have a lethal combination.

The General Cañas, which begins by the Sabana Park and Bernardo Soto highway are of major importance to the Tránsito police. Control posts, as well as individual traffic officers along the highway will help reduce speeding and check for alcohol. The major control post is at the Naranjo toll booth.

The other routes leading in and out of Palmares will also have control posts and Tránsito officials keeping an eye on traffic.

Gutiérrez said that drivers who insist on drinking and driving will see no mercy by his officers.

Using a designated driver or going by bus is the recommendation to those who plan or drink at the festival.