The California Highway Patrol and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said they are stepping up their DUI enforcement this holiday season.
CHP Officer Jeffrey Pedersen says the increased patrols are part of the agency's "statewide maximum enforcement period."
"Pretty much every officer who is available will be working patrol," Pedersen said. "We are going to be looking for things like speeding. The main thing is DUIs and various enforcements to make sure that people are out there being safe."
CHP’s first maximum enforcement period will begin Tuesday and run until Thursday.
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According to CHP, during the 78-hour maximum enforcement period last Christmas, 20 people lost their lives within their jurisdiction, and officers made over 900 arrests for DUI statewide.
On Monday, a blue Honda Accord was found facing the wrong direction on the curb on G Street in downtown San Diego. A field sobriety test and breathalyzer test were administered, and the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, San Diego police said.
Drivers who NBC 7 spoke to say they are keeping safety top of mind.
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“I think the biggest thing we do is prepare for our road trips, so we are not in a hurry," Jared Hutchins said "We don’t feel the need to speed around anywhere or to extend ourselves on the road. We stop when we need to and make sure to schedule in that time."
SDSO said in a news release on Monday that deputies have already started ramping up DUI patrols across the county and will continue to do so until Jan. 1, 2025.
Deputies have arrested nearly 1,000 people for suspicion of impaired driving in this year, according to Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez.
Driving under the influence doesn't just refer to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
SDSO offers tips to avoid impaired driving
The sheriff's office has these tips for a safe holiday season:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
- If you're impaired, use a taxi or ride-sharing service. You can also call a sober friend/family member or use public transportation
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 immediately
Those witnessing impaired drivers out on the road are also urged to call the sheriff's office at 858-868-3200.
