Roving DUI Patrols by Abany Police Today, Friday

Albany police are conducting roving patrols to catch drunk or drug-impaired drivers today, Friday.

"In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths in 2010 because someone failed to designate a sober driver," said a police press release announcing the patrols this morning. "After falling dramatically for five straight years, figures for 2011 indicate that DUI deaths remained the same as 2010. "

"DUI can impact the economy in addition to the pain and suffering of those immediately affected. Conservatively, a fatality has a $1.4 million impact, an injury $70,000, and a crash that only damages property averages nearly $9,000." the release says.

Anyone who sees impaired driving is asked to call 911 immediately. 

The department said the following clues can indicate an impaired driver:

• weaving or swerving
• traveling at much slower or much faster speeds
• braking erratically
• remaining at traffic lights once they turn green
• headlights off at night