Citrus Heights police deploying extra DUI patrols thru Labor Day Weekend

By Rylie Friesen-–
The Citrus Heights Police Department has joined law enforcement around the country in deploying additional officers on the streets during a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which began mid-August and continues through Labor Day Weekend.

In a news release about the campaign, police said Labor Day Weekend is considered to be one of the deadliest times of the year for alcohol-induced crashes. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 376 deadly crashes in 2017 over Labor Day Weekend, from Sept. 1-5. One third of those fatalities involved drunk drivers, police said.

In California, two people were killed and 31 were injured on Labor Day Weekend last year. 

“We hope that drivers get the message that driving impaired will never be tolerated,” said Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Shaun Gualco in the news release. “Driving while drunk or high is dangerous, irresponsible and causes too many senseless tragedies.”

To prevent accidents caused by driving impaired, police advise planning ahead for a designated driver or ride-share service. Those who observe someone driving under the influence are asked to call 911.

As part of the campaign, the Citrus Heights Police Department also tweeted that officers had teamed up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving for a “Saturation Saturday” event on Aug. 24.

MADD launched Saturation Saturday in Missouri three years ago where they increased law enforcement and sobriety checkpoints in an effort to reduce drunk or drugged driving.

Related: DUI arrests have increased over 50% in Citrus Heights this year. Here’s why.