From Dec. 11 through New Year’s Day, Morgan Hill Police Department will participate in the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which aims to keep impaired and potentially dangerous drivers off the roads.
During the campaign period, MHPD will place additional officers on patrol who will be looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, says a press release from Morgan Hill Police. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign whose goal is stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.
“During the holiday season, we see families and loved ones coming together to celebrate, and our goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely,” said MHPD Sgt. Scott Purvis. “Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous; it’s illegal. Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. We urge people to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home.”
The holiday season can be especially dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Morgan Hill Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol, says the press release.
Impaired driving includes alcohol as well as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs that can cause impairment, police said.
“If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1,” says the press release.
Funding for the local Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
