The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release about their new statewide campaign aimed at reducing drunk driving on California roadways. They are partnering up with the California Office of Traffic Safety for the Imparied Driving Reduction (IDR) education and enforcement campaign. This campaign started at the beginning of October and will run until September 30, 2022.

According to the CHP, impaired driving crashes were responsible for 568 deaths and 11,444 injuries in CHP jurisdictions in 2019. Additionally, more than 90,000 violations for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs were cited by CHP officers in 2020.

Grant Funded Impaired Driving Reduction Campaign

The grant funding for IDR will pay for increased saturation patrols, checkpoints and various traffic safety educational efforts throughout the state. In addition to increasing enforcement on this issue and being able to remove drugged or drunk drivers from the roadways, safety officials will also be raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving to help deter people from getting behind the wheel impaired.

This campaign isn’t just focused on alcohol. The CHP is reminding the public that a DUI arrest can happen for more substances than just booze. Marijuana and other drugs can impair your ability to drive safely. Even certain prescription and over-the-counter meds can be unsafe behind the wheel, so if you’re not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist before driving on a new medication.

Drunk Driving Accidents in Southern California

In addition to the IDR campaign, the CHP will also be participating in California’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Motorists can expect to see an increase in checkpoints and patrols throughout the state, especially during the upcoming holiday season. California motorists are being urged to make safe choices behind the wheel, and after any kind of car accident involving a drunk or drugged driver, it’s always a good idea to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case.

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.