The Party Can Wait: California and Nevada Join Forces for Holiday Anti-Impaired Driving Public Awareness Campaign

SACRAMENTO - From Nevada's glow to California's shine, and the Tahoe trails to Reno's lights, the California and Nevada OTS are joining forces on a new social media campaign encouraging drivers traveling to scenic destinations in both states to drive safe and sober. The social media messages will run in the Lake Tahoe/Reno and Las Vegas areas, calling on drivers to start the party on the Strip, not on the trip, and say "no" to drinking until you arrive safely at your destination in Reno. According to the Automobile Club of Southern California, Las Vegas is the top destination for the more than eight million Southern California residents who will hit the road during the year-end holidays.

WHAT THE OTS ACTING DIRECTOR JESSICA CHAN SAID: "There's no escaping the deadly, tragic consequences of driving impaired. We encourage everyone to enjoy a weekend getaway for the holidays, and that starts with making the responsible decision to drive safely into 2025."

WHAT THE NEVADA HIGHWAY SAFETY DIRECTOR AMY DAVEY SAID: "As we celebrate the holiday season, it's essential to make safety a priority whether you're enjoying the snow in Tahoe or the nightlife in Las Vegas. Don't gamble with your life or the lives of others - plan ahead and designate a sober driver, or use rideshare services. Let's make this season safe for all ."

WHAT CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL COMMISSIONER SEAN DURYEE SAID: "As the holidays bring loved ones together, let's make sure everyone arrives safely. Whether you're traveling to or from California on our highways, remember to drive sober, stay alert and prioritize safety this season."

WHY IT MATTERS: The stakes are too high to make your car a personal roulette wheel. During the holiday MEP last year , 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction, and CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) - an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes. In 2022, 1,479 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on California roads, accounting for a third of all people killed in traffic crashes. In Nevada, 184 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, or 51% of all people killed in traffic crashes on Nevada roads in 2022.

The California and Nevada OTS remind the public that driving under the influence is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services. If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

FOR NEWS MEDIA: Social Media Assets

Become a sober driver ambassador today and be the solution to impaired driving at chpddp.com.

To learn about other helpful ways to travel safely on California and Nevada roads, visit gosafelyca.org and zerofatalitiesnv.com .

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