SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are partnering on a new campaign aimed at reducing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers through enforcement and education efforts.  The yearlong, California Impaired Driving Reduction (CIDR) campaign, which began October 1, 2019, continues through September 30, 2020.

The CIDR grant provides the CHP with funding to conduct additional driving under the influence (DUI) saturation patrols, checkpoints, and traffic safety education efforts throughout California.  These efforts are designed to remove DUI drivers from the roadway and educate the public regarding the dangers of impaired driving.  Additionally, the CHP will actively participate in California’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over efforts.

According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System data, in 2017, there were 594 deaths and more than 11,000 injuries due to DUI crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction.  Each one of these injuries and deaths represents a preventable tragedy and a continued need to focus efforts on reducing impaired driving.  

“Reducing impaired driving through education and enforcement remains a high priority for the CHP,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.  “This campaign provides the CHP with additional resources to lessen the impacts of impaired driving, while continuing to make California’s roadways a safer place to travel.”

The CHP continues to encourage the public to have a plan before getting on the road.  In addition to alcohol, driving under the influence of cannabis, medications, and/or drugs is illegal and dangerous.  Always designate a sober driver, take public transportation, or ride-share.  There is always a better option than getting behind the wheel while impaired. 

The CHP would like to remind the public to call 9-1-1 if they observe a suspected DUI driver.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a location, direction of travel, and vehicle description.  

If you have questions regarding impaired driving, please contact your local CHP Area office.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from OTS through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.