County Crackdown on Drunk Drivers Coming to Poway

A two-week countywide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign begins Friday night and will include two special enforcement stops in Poway.

"Don't let a DUI ruin your holidays," San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said in a statement. "Before you leave home for a holiday party, think about how everyone can get home safely. Designate a sober driver, take a cab or stay the night. We are not going to tolerate impaired driving. So remember, 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.' We will be watching."

Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 1, a network of San Diego County law enforcement agencies—called the San Diego County Avoid the 15 Task Force—will engage in heightened enforcement of DUI and license checks, and warrant sweeps.

On Dec. 28, a sobriety checkpoint is planned for Poway between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location. Special enforcement also is planned in Poway on New Year's Eve.

The other dates:

• Dec. 14: Vista and Santee, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (DUI)
• Dec. 15: South Bay warrant sweep.
• Dec. 15: Lemon Grove and Encinitas, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (DUI)
• Dec. 20: Poinsettia Bowl, 5 p.m. to midnight (DUI)
• Dec. 21: San Marcos, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (DUI)
• Dec. 22: Rancho San Diego, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (DUI)
• Dec. 28: Poway and Imperial Beach, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (DUI)
• Dec. 29: Chula Vista, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (DUI)
• Dec. 30: Chargers/Raiders game, 5 p.m. to midnight (DUI)
• Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve): San Marcos, Vista, Poway, Encinitas, Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach, Santee, (DUI)

The task force offers the following tips for staying safe over the holidays:

• Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.
• If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, report them. Call 911! Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.