Pasadena PD Reminds You to Celebrate the Holidays Responsibly

No matter what you celebrate or how you celebrate it, remember to celebrate responsibly. – Courtesy photo

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Pasadena Police Department wants to remind everyone to be responsible and not drive after drinking or taking drugs that affect your ability to operate a vehicle.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, but also a time to be extra careful on the roads,” said Lieutenant Mark Goodman, “Sadly, the holiday season leads to an increase in drivers who shouldn’t be driving. It’s important for us to let people know that if you feel different, you drive different.”

During the 2017 Thanksgiving (Nov. 22-26) and Christmas (Dec. 22-25) holidays, 99 people were killed and nearly 4,500 people were injured on California roads. Of those deadly crashes, nearly 35 percent involved alcohol.

With holiday parties taking place, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Even if you’ve had only one drink, play it safe and designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home. If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.

The Pasadena Police Department also supports efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to inform drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the‑counter medications and marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

“Don’t spoil the holiday and put yourself and others at risk by driving impaired,” said Lieutenant Goodman. “People need to understand that the only time they should be driving is when they are sober.”

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