The Susanville Police Department is reminding folks about the dangers of driving impaired this holiday season, encouraging them to celebrate the holidays responsibly by not driving under the influence.
“From now through New Year’s Day, the Susanville Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” explains SPD Cheif Ryan Cochran.
The extra enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.
“The Susanville Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a ‘go safely’ game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
“Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.”
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
