The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up its game this Thanksgiving, increasing DUI patrols to ensure the holiday weekend remains safe for all travelers in the area, as announced in a recent reminder issued by officials.
Starting on Wednesday, November 27, and going through Sunday, December 1, deputies are to be on high alert, searching for impaired drivers and aiming to thwart the potential of accidents which, according to Sheriff Kelly Martinez, are "100 percent preventable" in an echo of last year's initiative, there's a clear message underlying these operations, "Let's keep everyone safe this holiday weekend. Don't drink and drive," Sheriff Kelly Martinez was quoted in a news release from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
This year, close to 900 individuals have been arrested for impaired driving in San Diego County alone, signaling an ongoing battle against DUI. The Sheriff's Office highlights that not only alcohol but also prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can impair driving abilities - especially when mixed with other substances.
To curb incidences of impaired driving the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to plan for safe transportation which includes designating a sober driver, using alternatives such as taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transit if impaired. The pointed reminder, "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving," parallels the seriousness of the issue, as the potential costs of an impaired driving arrest and conviction can exceed $15,000 in legal and court fees, and an informative video on the consequences is accessible by clicking on a provided photo or link in the news release.
Moreover, the Thanksgiving enforcement effort has been funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—the backing underscores the gravity with which California takes the issue of impaired driving. The Sheriff's Office urges citizens to be proactive and report impaired driving by contacting 9-1-1 or calling the Sheriff's Office directly at (858) 868-3200 when encountering a potentially dangerous situation on the roads.
