Plan Ahead This Holiday Season: Be Safe and Drive Sober

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Sergeant Tasha DeCosta (510)293-7169

Plan Ahead This Holiday Season: Be Safe and Drive Sober

Hayward, Calif. – Millions of people will be traveling to visit friends and family over the holidays. The Hayward Police Department encourages everyone to celebrate safely and have a holiday game plan that includes a designated sober driver.

During the pre-Christmas and New Year’s holiday season Nov. 28-Dec. 13, The Hayward Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and be safe,” said Sergeant Tasha DeCosta. “If you plan to go out and celebrate, make sure you plan ahead and find a safe, sober ride home because driving impaired should never be an option.”

Drunk driving is a problem on our nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. During the 2016-2020 December months, there were more than 4,400 people killed in drunk-driving-related crashes.

Hayward Police reminds drivers that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

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