Santa Clarita Valley News reports that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety have just initiated their collaboration for a year-long campaign to educate motorists and enforce anti-intoxication measures.
The ‘Don’t Drive Impaired’ campaign is funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and will run until September 30, 2023.
CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray told reporters that the law enforcement agency intends to do its part by removing impaired drivers from California’s streets and highways.
“Reducing impaired driving through education and enforcement remains a high priority, and this campaign provides another opportunity to further that goal.” Commissioner Ray said, “It is never worth the risk to drive impaired. Always designate a sober driver.”
Enforcement measures will include education, saturation patrols, and DUI checkpoints throughout the state. The CHP will also continue to support other area law enforcement agencies in their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns that are designed to reduce and remove drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired.
The CHP and police and sheriff’s offices across the state remind motorists that the charge of DUI is not limited to alcohol impairment. Cannabis, prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter medications can result in an arrest if a driver is found to be impaired. It is recommended that drivers appoint a designated driver, take public transportation, a taxi or rideshare or stay at home rather than get behind the wheel while under the influence.
The agency also asks that if anyone sees a driver they suspect of being under the influence, call 911 with a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel, and a license plate if possible.
