Full Notification

                                                                                          
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          August 14^th, 2024
           
 
The Santa Maria Police Department Reminds Drivers to
Keep the Final Days of Summer Fun, Not Fatal
 
Santa Maria , Calif. – As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the Santa Maria Police Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
 
We want everyone to enjoy their end of Summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s imperative to do so responsibly. Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.
 
The Santa Maria Police Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:
 

• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.
• Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
• Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and share the road responsibly.
• Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

 
To help keep our community safe, the Santa Maria Police Department will have additional officers on patrol  Aug. 16 through Labor Day (Sept. 2) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.
 
In addition to patrols, the Santa Maria Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint August 16^th, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city of Santa Maria.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,524 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022 — that’s one person every 39 minutes.
 
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products 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.
 
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
Prepared by: SMPD Traffic Sergeant Michael McGehee