With a commitment to keeping the community safe, The Goleta Police Department reminds residents about the dangers of driving impaired and urges motorists to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.

The Goleta Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a Go Safely game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol consumption. Marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Police advise motorists to research how certain drugs may affect a person’s driving ability.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Sgt. Noel Rivas said. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”

There will be a DUI checkpoint between 6 a.m. Friday Dec. 16 and 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 somewhere in the city of Goleta, police said.

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