PASADENA, Calif.—Extra patrols from Pasadena Police Department will be out on Friday, April 23, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The police department remains committed to keeping the public safe when they are traveling. “We want everyone to be as safe as possible, especially when they are on the road,” says Lieutenant Anthony Russo.
Impaired driving doesn't just mean driving under the influence of alcohol: some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.