Menifee Police Bolster DUI Patrols During Pre-Holiday Season

MENIFEE, CA — There will be more police presence in Menefee this week and through the next as officers look for drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, officials said.

During the "pre-holiday season" between Dec. 1 and 10, additional officers will patrol the city when drunk driving is more common than in other parts of the year, according to the Menifee Police Department.

"We want our community to stay safe and have a joy-filled holiday season," said Chief Chris Karrer. "If you plan to go out and celebrate, please choose a sober way to go by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation."

Police say drunk driving is continually a factor in fatal crashes, especially during the holiday season. During the December months between 2018 and 2022, 4,759 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In California, 1,479 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2022 alone.

Police also stress that driving impaired doesn't just refer to alcohol as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis and other drugs can impact driving.

"If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive," Menifee police said.

Witness someone driving while impaired? Call 911, officers urge.