December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Over the holidays, the Police Department encourages the community to gather with just your immediate household to help control the spread of COVID-19. If driving is required, please do it safely by not driving impaired.

We know that everyone wants to visit their families and friends, but we want to reiterate that large gatherings are discouraged. We also understand families and friends want to come together this season especially during the pandemic to provide comfort and cheer; however, we encourage safety by not only adhering to social distancing protocols, but also avoiding driving impaired.

We’re asking everyone to take personal responsibility this holiday season by making a plan for a safe ride to and from your home before your celebrations begin. Designate a non-drinking, unimpaired driver or take a taxi, a bus, train or use a rideshare app.

Officers will be actively looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI doesn’t just mean alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Officers will also be looking for other unsafe driving practices – speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving distracted – to make sure everyone has a safe holiday. 

We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and be safe when they must travel. Taking simple safety measures like driving sober, following the speed limit and wearing a seat belt helps keep yourself and others safe.