Uptick In DUI Patrols Planned For Cathedral City Through Labor Day: Police

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — Cathedral City police will deploy additional officers through Labor Day to identify and stop drivers suspected of operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the department announced Wednesday.

Beginning Wednesday, additional patrols will continue through Monday, Sept. 7, as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign.

“Enjoying the last days of summer should be all about fun and that starts with making safe choices before making plans,” Cathedral City Police Department Motor Officer Albert Felix said. “Everyone deserves to get home safely and it starts with your everyday actions.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,904 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide in 2024 — an average of one person every 44 minutes.

Police reminded motorists that impairment can also result from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products. Anyone who plans to drink alcohol or take medication carrying a warning against driving should arrange for a sober driver, police said.

The department offered the following recommendations for people traveling during the final weeks of summer:

• Arrange for a designated sober driver, rideshare, taxi or public transportation before drinking.
• Wear a seat belt.
• Avoid distractions, including texting or eating behind the wheel.
• Obey posted speed limits.
• Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Take regular breaks during long trips to avoid fatigue.

Anyone who sees a driver who appears to be impaired should call 911, police said.

Additional traffic safety information is available through California’s Go Safely campaign.

The enforcement program is funded by a California Office of Traffic Safety grant administered through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.