SOLEDAD — As millions of people travel to visit friends and family over the holidays, Soledad Police Department is encouraging everyone to celebrate safely and have a holiday game plan that includes a designated sober driver.
During the pre-Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, Dec. 1 to Jan. 2, the Soledad Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and be safe,” said Traffic Sgt. Jesus Contreras. “If you plan to go out and celebrate, make sure you plan ahead and find a safe, sober ride home because driving impaired should never be an option.”
Drunken driving is a problem on the nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. During the 2016-20 December months, there were more than 4,400 people killed in drunken-driving-related crashes.
Soledad Police Department reminds drivers that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
