SOLEDAD — As the holiday season approaches, Soledad Police Department reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly and give the gift of safe driving by committing to drive sober or designating a sober driver.
During the pre-holiday season, Dec. 1-10, Soledad will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“We want our community to stay safe and have a joy-filled holiday season,” said Sgt. Jesus Contreras of the department’s Traffic Division. “If you plan to go out and celebrate, please choose a sober way to go by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation.”
Drunk driving continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the holidays. During the 2018-22 December months, there were 4,759 people killed in alcohol-impaired crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In California, there were 1,479 people killed in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes in 2022.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also impair.
“If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive,” police said. “If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.”
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
