The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a $422,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to pay for an enforcement program to stop drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, it was announced Wednesday.
The program, which runs through September 2025, will pay for impaired driving checkpoints, patrols and distracted driving enforcement, a sheriff’s statement said.
More than 800 people have been arrested for impaired driving this year alone, the statement added. Impairment can result from alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs.
“This grant will help us combat dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes and make our roads safer for everyone,” Sheriff Kelly Martinez said.
Sheriff’s officials noted that those arrested could face legal and court fees amounting to as much as $15,000.
City News Service contributed to this article.
