As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, Scotts Valley Police Department is reminding everyone to prioritize safety on the roads.
Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“We want everyone to enjoy their end of summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” said Scotts Valley Police Sgt. S. Tol. “Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”
To help keep the community safe, Scotts Valley Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 16 through Labor Day (Sept. 2) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.
In addition to patrols, Scotts Valley Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Aug. 22 from 9pm-1am at an undisclosed location within the city.
The department emphasizes safe driving during Labor Day celebrations by recommending planning ahead with a designated driver or alternative transportation if drinking, buckling up, staying alert and focused on the road, obeying speed limits, watching for pedestrians and bicyclists and taking regular breaks on long trips to prevent fatigue.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,524 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022—that’s one person every 39 minutes.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
