CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Police Department encourages everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver.

This holiday season, from Dec. 13 to New Year’s, the Citrus Heights Police Department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, the Citrus Heights Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, December 20th, 2019 from 8 p.m. to approximately 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Citrus Heights.

“Unfortunately, this time of year is when we see more people driving impaired,” Sergeant Shaun Gualco said. “There is no excuse for driving after drinking or using drugs that impair. There are many ways to get home safely without driving.”

The Citrus Heights Police reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

So if you are hosting a holiday party, offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor how people are getting home.  If someone has been drinking and tries to leave, offer to have them stay the night or take ride-share home.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.