National City Police cruiser
A National City Police cruiser. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)

Law enforcement personnel will have an increased presence on San Diego-area roadways this weekend to keep a strict watch for Super Bowl revelers who get behind the wheel while inebriated.

The county Sheriff’s Office announced Friday it will have extra deputies on traffic duty throughout its enforcement areas starting at 3 p.m. Sunday and continuing through 5 a.m. Monday.

The National City Police Department, for its part, will intensify its efforts to get DUI suspects off the streets both Saturday and Sunday, according to the South Bay agency.

“Super Bowl celebrations are a time for fun and community, but safety should always come first,” NCPD Sgt. Scott Shanahan noted. “If you plan to drink, make sure you have a reliable way to get home, whether that’s a designated sober driver, rideshare, taxi or public transportation.”

Last year, a total of 7,394 people were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in San Diego County, 32 of them on Super Bowl Sunday, according to sheriff’s officials.

–City News Service