Cities join for DUI enforcement

THREE coastal cities – including Huntington Beach – are in a joint operation to battle drunk driving (Shutterstock).

While many of us have been staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Seal Beach Police Departments are asking everyone who does need to drive to do so while sober.

All three agencies have seen a rise in illegal street racing, loud exhaust, and impaired driving in recent weeks. The increased efforts to address impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

During this period, which runs until Labor Day, the Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach police departments will be working in a collaborative effort to combat impaired driving, street racing, and speeding. This means you may see officers from different jurisdictions in our city, working to protect you and your family.

In addition to patrols, the Huntington Beach Police Department will be holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 4, in Huntington Beach.

While less people are traveling, impaired driving continues to be a problem. During the 4th of July holiday, the California Highway Patrol made 738 arrests for DUI over a 54-hour period. Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana. Funding for this program is provided in part by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.