National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign begins this week

This holiday season, the Vallejo Police Department is urging the public to be safe and sober when one is driving as Monday was the start of the National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we celebrate the holidays, the department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink, the VPD said in a news release Monday.

“Starting Monday and through New Year’s Day, The Vallejo Police Department will have officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the inf luence of alcohol and/or drugs,” the same statement read. “The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe.”

“This year has been challenging and difficult on all of us,” Sergeant Shane Bower 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.”

The VPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over- the- counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Do your research and understand how certain drugs you are taking may affect your driving ability.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.