Ventura Police Department reminds everyone to
drive sober this holiday season
National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Begins December 14, 2020
Ventura, Calif. — Ventura Police Department (VPD) officials are reminding the public about the importance of being safe and sober when driving this holiday season. While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how the community celebrates the holidays, VPD remains dedicated to keeping the public safe and is encouraging people to stay well at home to use a designated sober driver if planning to drink.
Starting December 14 through January 1, 2021, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, officers will be actively looking for other unsafe driving practices – speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving distracted, not yielding to bicyclists or pedestrians – to make sure everyone has a safe holiday.
“This year has been challenging and difficult for all of us with too much heartbreak and tragedy. We want to encourage the public to make the right choice by not driving impaired,” said Sergeant Mike Brown. “That way we can ensure that everyone enjoys a the holidays safely and responsibly.”
The Ventura Police Department reminds residents that marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications may impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
“There’s no joy in a DUI,” said Officer David Curtis. “Sober is the way to go.”
As a reminder, due to COVID-19, the state of California is asking residents to avoid large gatherings for the holidays to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist for the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].
