Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly; National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins Dec. 12

 

Gonzales, Calif. – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In

December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving

crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Gonzales

Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and

to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 12 through New Year’s Day, the Gonzales Police Department will

have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the

influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a

national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping

suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the

holiday season with their families and loved ones,” Chief Keith Wise said. “Not only is

driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking

everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”

Gonzales Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or plan

ahead by designating a sober driver, using public transit or calling a taxi or rideshare

service if you intend to drink.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter

medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you

plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is

sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic

Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.