Traffic Safety Grant for $450,000 to fund impaired driving enforcement

SAN DIEGO – The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has awarded the San Diego County Sheriff's Department a $450,000 grant that will fund a year's worth of special operations and campaigns designed to stop drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Impaired driving checkpoints, patrols and distracted driving/traffic enforcement will all be funded by the grant.

"We are grateful for the California Office of Traffic Safety's support as we continue our efforts to keep impaired drivers off San Diego County roadways," said Sheriff Kelly Martinez.

The goal is to reduce impaired driving-related crashes and deaths.

So far in 2023, Sheriff's Deputies have arrested more than 900 people for impaired driving. Impaired driving doesn't just mean alcohol. It can include marijuana and prescription drug use.

If anyone does drink, they should be sure to have a designated driver, ride sharing service or taxi ready. An impaired driving arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in legal and court fees.

The grant program will run through September 2024.

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

Submitted by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.