This holiday season, the Ventura Police Department encourages the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that can impair the ability to drive safely.
Through New Year’s Day, the Ventura Police Department will deploy additional officers on patrol to actively identify and apprehend drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This heightened enforcement effort aligns with the national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put everyone on the road at risk.
“Prioritizing traffic safety during the holiday season is a collective responsibility that cannot be overstated,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “It’s about safeguarding lives and preventing DUI-related collisions on our roads. We all play a vital role in keeping our roads safe; please take your role seriously.”
Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow usage instructions and take note of any warnings related to driving or operating heavy machinery, which includes operating a vehicle. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is not. Marijuana can be impairing, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, which can also result in a DUI.
If you see someone driving impaired, always call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
