City Spotlight: Give the Gift of Safe Driving -- Drive Sober

As the holiday season approaches, the joy of celebration often goes together with travel and gatherings with loved ones. The Wasco Police Department reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly and give the gift of safe driving by committing to drive sober or designating a sober driver.

"We want our community to stay safe and have a joy-filled holiday season," said Sergeant Galutira. "If you plan to go out and celebrate, please choose a sober way to go by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation."

Drunk driving continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the holidays. During the 2018-2022 December months, there were 4,759 people killed in alcohol-impaired crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In California, there were 1,479 people killed in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes in 2022. While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs 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.

This holiday season, let us remember that the greatest gift we can offer is ensuring the safety and well-being of our loved ones and everyone we share the road with. Every decision we make behind the wheel carries the power to protect lives or destroy them. A moment of thoughtfulness - choosing not to drive impaired - can mean the difference between tragedy and a lifetime of cherished memories. Let us act with compassion and responsibility, knowing that the impact of our choices can echo far beyond this holiday season. Together, we can create a safer, happier future for all.