Law Enforcement on Patrol for Drunk Drivers Amid High Fatality Rates
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, unfortunately for some those celebrations can turn deadly. New Year’s Eve parties are rarely sober events. Many hosted events involve open bars with access throughout the evening to endless amounts of alcohol. Last year, according to the SF Gate, 50 people died in alcohol-related traffic collisions during the extended New Year’s weekend. Over 1,000 people were arrested for drunk driving. Both DUI arrests and the number of drunk driving related fatalities were up from the previous year according to the Gate.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are preparing for more people drinking and driving throughout the holiday period. California has launched the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to remind drivers of the dangers of driving while impaired. While the holiday DUI enforcement campaign is heavily focused on alcohol, officers want to remind drivers that impairment can involve drugs as well.
It is important that if you plan to attend a holiday party or New Year’s Eve event to designate a sober driver. It is important to remember that it is never safe to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk driving fatalities are completely preventable. This holiday season make sure to help everyone get home safely and provide non-alcoholic drinks at any parties. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help now. There are treatment options available for every person.