The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station will increase patrols from December 12 through New Year’s Day as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The effort aims to reduce impaired driving incidents during the holiday season, a time when road fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving are high. In December 2023, there were 1,038 deaths in the United States caused by crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Extra officers will be deployed to look for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The initiative is intended to stop those who pose a risk to others on the road.
Sergeant Patrick Lynch stated, “We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones. 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.”
Residents are encouraged by law enforcement officials to plan ahead if they intend to drink. Options include designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare service.
The Sheriff’s Office notes that impairment can result not just from alcohol but also from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other substances. They advise anyone taking medication with a warning label against driving to have someone else drive instead. Those who observe someone driving while impaired should call 9–1–1.
Funding for this program comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For information about career opportunities with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
