LONG BEACH, Calif. — As holiday celebrations increase, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is reminding the public that impaired driving continues to be a serious safety concern.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,038 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in December 2023 alone. To help prevent similar tragedies, LBPD is urging residents to celebrate responsibly and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
From December 12 through New Year’s Day, LBPD will deploy additional officers on patrol to watch for drivers suspected of being impaired. The increased enforcement is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which aims to remove impaired drivers from the road and reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.
“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” said LBPD Commander Jeremy Boshnack. “Driving impaired is illegal, dangerous and never acceptable.”
Police encourage anyone planning to drink to prepare in advance by designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare service. Staying in for the night is also a safe alternative.
LBPD emphasized that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, cannabis products and other substances can also affect driving ability. Anyone taking medications with a warning label should allow a sober person to drive.
Authorities urge residents to call 9-1-1 if they observe someone who appears to be driving while impaired.
Funding for the enforcement effort is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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