08/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/21/2024 16:39
As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
"We want everyone to enjoy their end of Summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it's imperative to do so responsibly," Lieutenant Jose Flores said. "Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives."
LBPD offers the following tips to Go Safely:
To help keep our community safe, LBPD will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 16 through Labor Day (Sept. 2) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.
In addition to patrols, LBPD will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday August 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,524 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022 - that's one person every 39 minutes.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, 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.