The concept began in 1974 in Santa Clara County, California with "Avoid the 13."  This was a multi-agency task force that was formed to combat the rising deaths and accidents that were a result of a driving under the influence problem.  In Santa Clara County the program has significantly reduced DUI deaths and injuries and increased arrests.  The "Avoid the 13" has won 10 regional and national public relations awards.

The program has expanded into San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, San Benito, Placer, Monterey and Alameda Counties in California and Berrien County in Michigan.

In the last year there have been 10 fatal collisions associated with driving under the influence in Tehama County; 67 other collisions linked to alcohol; and, 577 persons arrested for violating California's driving under the influence laws.