By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department will increase patrols on the roads throughout San Diego County for Super Bowl Sunday, authorities said.
Deputies will be cracking down on impaired drivers beginning at 3 p.m. through 5 a.m., following the next day, the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
The Sheriff’s Department offers tips to residents for a safe Super Bowl Sunday:
• Plan a safe way home before the game begins
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, or ride-sharing service, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1 immediately
Alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can impair a driver. especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
Last year, 5,408 people were arrested for impaired driving by deputies and other law enforcement agencies in San Diego County. On Super Bowl Sunday, eight people were arrested for impaired driving by deputies.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, an impaired driving arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in legal and court fees.
Funding for the impaired driving enforcement program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
