Deputies Crack Down On DUI Drivers Over Holidays In San Diego

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is cracking down on DUI drivers over the holiday season.

Deputies will be conducting increased patrols through New Year's Day to catch impaired drivers. Sheriff's officials stressed that impaired driving doesn't just refer to alcohol but also marijuana and prescription drugs.

So far this year, the Sheriff's Department has arrested more than 1,200 people on suspicion of DUI. In 2018, deputies arrested 1,183 people for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Sheriff's Department offered these tips for a safe holiday season:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you're impaired, use a taxi or ride-sharing service. You can also call a sober friend/family member or use public transportation.
• If you spot a possibly impaired driver on the road, call 911.

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