Deputies start countywide anti-DUI campaign Friday, continuing to New Year’s

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) - Beginning Friday and continuing to New Year's Day, Riverside County sheriff's deputies will engage in operations countywide to deter drunken and drug-impaired driving.

The department's annual "Winter Mobilization" is slated to run roughly three weeks in multiple locations, relying on saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and similar efforts to crack down on impaired motorists.   

"We want to make sure everyone gets home safely, so that they can celebrate the Holiday Season with their families and loved ones,'' sheriff's Sgt. Evan Bechtold said. "Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe."  

Bechtold emphasized the importance of securing designated drivers in advance to ensure a sober person is at the wheel for any trips following Christmas parties, or any other outings where drinks were provided.

"Impaired driving is not just from alcohol,'' the sergeant said. "Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment."

Deputies will take a zero tolerance approach to intoxicated driving.   

The mobilization is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's annual "Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over'' campaign to discourage driving under the influence.  

The California Highway Patrol will be undertaking similar operations during its Christmas and New Year's maximum enforcement periods, when all available officers deploy onto Inland Empire freeways, highways and unincorporated roads to catch traffic violators.