Gilroy Police To Look Out For Drunk Drivers Amid Holiday Season

GILROY, CA — With the holiday season often comes celebration and with celebration often comes the inevitable few who get into their cars after drinking. This season, the Gilroy Police Department will dispatch officers specifically patrolling for those suspected of driving under the influence.

Starting Dec. 14 and through New Year's Day, Gilroy police will search for drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving as part of a national campaign, Officer Rene Arbizu wrote in a Wednesday statement. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is an effort intended to crack down on drunk drivers, Arbizu wrote.

The department is also asked Gilroy residents to avoid large gatherings during the holidays to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic during its latest surge across California.

"This year has been challenging and difficult on all of us," Arbizu said. "The last thing we need is more heartbreak and tragedy. Make the right choice by not driving impaired so everyone can have a safe holiday."

Police would like to remind the public that impaired driving also includes those under the influence of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and legal marijuana.

The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, police said.