As the summer travel season wraps up, the Redlands Police Department reminds drivers to be responsible and never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“Whether traveling locally or taking a longer road trip to see friends and family, please have a game plan for how to get home safely,” RPD traffic unit Sgt. Jeremy Floyd said. “There is never a good excuse for driving after drinking or using drugs that impair.”
RPD asks residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families by buckling up, avoiding distractions behind the wheel, following the speed limit, and not driving impaired.
To help keep our community safe, Redlands Police will have additional officers on patrol from Aug. 17 through Labor Day (Sept. 5) 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, Redlands Police will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Aug. 26.
In 2020, 1,159 people were killed throughout the state in drunk driving-related crashes, which accounted for 30 percent of all traffic deaths.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana 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 driving 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.
Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681 ext. 1. Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at www.cityofredlands.org/report-crime. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app available for Android, iPhones, and iPads.
Redlands Police press releases and other information are available on the Redlands Police Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redlandspolicedepartment or on the Department website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/police