Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 9, 2022
Petaluma Police Department
Walt Spiller, Traffic Sergeant
707-778-4596, [email protected]
 

Petaluma, Calif. — During the Labor Day holiday, including the end of summertime and the busy Labor Day weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working alongside the law enforcement community in Petaluma to decrease drug-impaired driving. From August 19 through September 5, the Petaluma Police Department will be participating in the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. enforcement period. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see officers working together to take drug-impaired drivers off the roads.
 
In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive. This is why it’s so important we spread this lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. It doesn’t matter what term you use — high, stoned, or wasted — no one should get behind the wheel impaired. Think being high won’t affect your driving? You’re wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
 
“We want to support our community by keeping it safe from drug-impaired drivers,” said Traffic Sergeant Walt Spiller.  “The bottom line is that no matter what the substance is, if it has impaired you, you should not be driving. We want everyone to enjoy the last weeks of summer and the Labor Day holiday. Please commit to yourself and your community members that you’ll drive sober each and every day,” he said. 
 
The Petaluma Police Department and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Driving impaired is a choice,” said Sergeant Spiller “Make the right choice and find a sober ride home if you’ve used an impairing substance. Let’s work together to end impaired driving,” he said. 
 
Violating California’s drug-impaired-driving laws can be costly. According to California Highway Patrol statistics, DUI violations can cost upwards of 13,500 to process and handle this type of driving infraction.
Vehicle towing and storage: $187
Booking, fingerprinting, jail costs: $156
Fines (minimum) $468
Penalties (minimum): $780
Attorney and legal fees: $2,557
Car insurance increase: $8,652
DUI victim fund: $100
Driver license reinstatement: $100
DUI classes: $500
Total Approx: $13,500
 
For more information on these facts please visit: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/impaired-driver-enforcement-programs
 
Play It Safe
As end-of-summer and Labor Day festivities occur, remember these safety tips as you prepare for the festivities, and spread the message to your friends and family members:

• If you have used an impairing substance such as marijuana, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
• If you are planning to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober driver to safely drive you to your destination. Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
• If available, use your community’s sober ride program, public transit, or taxi.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact 9-1-1.