ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) -  The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Elk Grove Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From Dec. 21 through New Year's Day, police will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

The Elk Grove Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using public transit or calling a taxi or rideshare service if you intend to drink.

We will be conducting a Sobriety/Driver's License checkpoint on Sunday, Dec. 28, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. The checkpoint will focus on removing impaired drivers, as well as unlicensed drivers from the roadways. Educational materials covering the dangers of driving under the influence will also be handed out to motorists.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. 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