By Lily Tu–
Citrus Heights police are strengthening efforts against impaired driving as summer comes to an end.
A press release from the Citrus Heights Police Department states that additional officers will be on patrol from Aug. 16 to Sept. 4., with officers on the lookout for impaired drivers. Police also conducted a DUI checkpoint as part of the heightened effort, which was held Thursday night.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records that over 13,000 people were killed in drunk-driving accidents in 2021. According to a June press release from Citrus Heights police, research shows that “crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.”
To further safeguard against impaired drivers, police ask residents to stay buckled, avoid driving distractions, keep the speed limit, and drive sober.
The increased vigilance is part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which applies to any driver under the influence of alcohol, medication, and/or drugs. The campaign is grant-funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the NHTSA.