By Rylie Friesen-
The Citrus Heights Police Department is deploying additional officers over Memorial Day Weekend to lookout for drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving,” said Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Shaun Gualco in a news release about the Memorial Day DUI enforcement. “Know beforehand how you are getting home. It’s never worth putting yourself and others at risk by driving when you should not be driving.”
Police consider Memorial Day Weekend to be the starting point of “California’s 100 dangerous days of summer on roadways,” which extends through Labor Day. Last Memorial Day, 43 people were injured in crashes caused involving alcohol.
In recent years, drug-related crashes have increased in California, police said. The enforcement effort will include targeting drugged driving, which can include marijuana as well as some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
According to NOLO, a legal publishing resource, the penalty for first-time DUI offenses can range from a hefty fine, to time in jail, license suspension, and probation.
Police offer the following advice to remain safe on Memorial Day:
- Have a sober friend, ride-share, taxi or public transportation be your ride home.
- Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
- Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
- Check any medications or over-the-counter drugs you are taking and how they may impact your ability to drive.
