Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Police Department on Wednesday began a heightened holiday DUI enforcement period, which will continue through January 1.
Police said in a news release this week that the local department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind drivers of the message: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Police said expanded efforts from Dec. 15 to Jan. 1 will help take drunk drivers off the roads.
The efforts will include a DUI Checkpoint operation on Friday night, Dec. 17, at an unspecified location in Citrus Heights, police said in a social media post.
“We need commitment from our drivers that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday,” said Lt. Jason Baldwin in the department’s news release. “This is a campaign to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it takes lives. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior.”
The department said in 2019, more than 200 people lost their lives in drunk driving-related incidents nationwide, for the period between Christmas and New Year’s. For the entire month of December that year, the total exceeded 800 deaths.
Police recommend having a designated driver or alternative way home planned out, “even if you’ve only had one alcoholic drink.” Authorities also recommend taking away the keys from a friend who has been drinking, and helping them find a safe way home.
