DUI arrests have skyrocketed during the month of June.

Not only are more drivers getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, but they're also consuming more alcohol before driving, sheriff's officials said. The average blood alcohol content (BAC) of those arrested was .20 - or more than twice the legal limit.

With 35 arrests in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada, during June through Thursday, sheriff's officials this week said this month could "easily eclipse" the all-time high of September 2006, when 37 drivers were arrested. The sheriff's office has kept track of DUI numbers in the area since 2004.

As a knee-jerk to last September's high number of arrests, Incline residents and decided to form a community nonprofit Citizens Advocating Responsible Driving (CARD) to educate the public and provide a shuttle service.

Information from the sheriff's office last fall that most DUI arrests were of local residents is congruous with this month's arrest tally thus far.

Out of the 34 arrests in June thus far, 15 are Incline locals, nine others are from the North Shore and two from South Shore. The balance are from the Carson/Minden or Reno/Sparks area or out-of-state.

Kelly and Sgt. Bill Devine have worked since last fall to get the word out to local bar patrons as well as the establishments themselves. Yet without some kind of safe ride program, some bartenders feel the problem will continue.
Sheriff's officials agreed.

Capt. Kelly admitted finding people rides during the high season is one of the greatest concerns that he hopes will be addressed soon by CARD.