Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Police Department will have extra patrol officers on the streets through Sept. 7 as part of a national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to curb drunk driving.
The effort began Aug. 21 and included a DUI checkpoint operation last weekend.
Police said despite less people being on the road during the COVID-19 crisis, DUI arrests and collisions have remained a problem. The department reported 160 DUI arrests and 45 DUI collisions in Citrus Heights so far this year, according to an Aug. 20 news release from police.
Police also warn drivers about over-the-counter medications potentially impairing driving.
“If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a ‘may cause drowsiness’ or other driving warning label, plan on staying home,” police said.
Funding for the police department’s DUI enforcement effort comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The department announced receiving a $161,000 grant from OTS last month.
Citrus Heights PD awarded $161k grant for more DUI checkpoints, enforcement