CMPD WILL HELP KEEP ROADWAYS SAFE OVER HOLIDAY SEASON, INCLUDING DUI CHECKPOINT
Costa Mesa, Calif. – The Holiday Season is a way to spend time with family and friends, but it is also a time when people can make poor choices that put themselves and others at risk on the road. To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get impaired drivers off roads.
During the high-visibility enforcement campaign Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs from Dec. 14, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019, CMPD will have more officers on the road conducting saturation patrols looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
In addition, CMPD will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. within city limits looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.
“Whether you are home with family or out celebrating, it is important that you find a sober ride home after drinking,” said Lt. Victor Bakkila. “As a responsible driver, it is up to you to make the right decision and drive sober or use a ride share service. There are no excuses for driving impaired.”
CMPD also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Marijuana, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
During the 2017 Christmas (Dec. 22-25) and New Year’s (Dec. 30-Jan. 2) holiday periods, 25 people were killed and 643 injured on California roads, according to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
“Drunk driving continues to be a huge problem in this country, and more recently, marijuana and drug-impaired driving,” said Lt. Victor Bakkila. “It is important that everyone acts responsibly behind the wheel.”
Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from OTS through NHTSA.
