By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego County, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department will increase DUI patrols throughout Thanksgiving weekend, the agency said.
Sheriff’s deputies will conduct impaired driving patrols through Sunday in San Diego County. The department’s goal is to remove drivers under the influence off the roadways, the Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.
“Crashes caused by impaired driving are 100 percent preventable,” said Sheriff Anthony Ray. “Do the responsible thing: don’t drink and drive.”
So far in 2022, Sheriff’s deputies have arrested more than 750 people for impaired driving in the region.
DUI also includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana which can also impair motorists.
The Sheriff’s Department offers tips for a safe Thanksgiving holiday:
• Plan a safe way home
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
• If you are impaired, use a taxi, a ride-sharing service, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation
An impaired driving arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in legal and court fees.
Funding for the Thanksgiving impaired driving enforcement program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
