Scotts Valley Police Department arrested eight drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) during a nearly three-week period through Labor Day weekend.
The enforcement efforts were part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization campaign, where additional officers were on patrol throughout the city to take suspected impaired drivers off the road.
In addition to patrols, Scotts Valley PD held a DUI checkpoint on Aug. 22, leading to two DUI arrests.
Most Californians consider drunk driving as one of their biggest traffic safety concerns, and drunk driving crashes accounted for nearly a third (33%) of all traffic deaths in the state in 2022. This equates to about four people killed every day.
First-time charges for DUI in California are an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, which could include a suspended license.
Scotts Valley PD reminds the public that impaired driving could be caused by more than just alcohol. The use of cannabis products, illicit drugs, even prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to impairment.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
