SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the
California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are partnering on a new year-long
campaign of education and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the number of
crashes caused by impaired drivers. The grant-funded “Don’t Drive
Impaired” campaign runs through September 30, 2023.
In 2020, 669 people were killed and 10,646 were injured in driving
under the influence crashes[i] within the CHP’s
jurisdiction. Each one of these injuries and deaths represents a
preventable tragedy, and a continued need to focus efforts on reducing impaired
driving.
“Law enforcement throughout the
state continues to do their part by removing impaired drivers from the
roadway,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Reducing impaired driving
through education and enforcement remains a high priority, and this campaign
provides us another opportunity to further that goal. It is never worth
the risk to drive impaired. Always designate a sober driver.”
The OTS grant provides the CHP with funding to conduct additional
saturation patrols, DUI checkpoints, and traffic safety education efforts
throughout California. These efforts are designed to remove DUI drivers
from the roadway and educate the public about the dangers of impaired
driving. Additionally, the CHP will actively participate in California’s Drive
Sober or Get Pulled Over efforts.
The CHP reminds the public, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Alcohol.”
Cannabis, impairing medications, illegal drugs, or any combination can affect a
driver’s ability to drive, and will result in an arrest for those who are found
to be under the influence. Always designate a sober driver, take public
transportation, or use a taxi or ride-share. There is always a better
option than getting behind the wheel while impaired.
Additionally, the CHP would like to remind the public to call 9-1-1 if
they observe a suspected DUI driver. Be prepared to provide the
dispatcher a location, direction of travel, and vehicle description.
If you have questions regarding impaired driving, please contact your
local CHP Area office.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the OTS, through
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service, and Security.
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