CHP Contra Costa Launches Campaign To Stop Impaired Driving

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Nine people were killed and 170 people were injured in traffic crashes involving impaired drivers within the California Highway Patrol Contra Costa Area’s jurisdiction between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021.

CHP Contra Costa Area shared the stark statistics as part of a recent announcement that it will use a yearlong grant to fund a regional campaign aimed at bringing those numbers down.

During the campaign that ends Sept. 30, 2024, the CHP Contra Costa Areas plans to deploy officers to conduct enforcement operations on Interstates 80 and 680, state Highways 4, 24, and 242; and unincorporated roadways within Contra Costa County.

"We are taking a proactive approach to keeping our roadways safe," said CHP Captain Ben Moser, commander of the Contra Costa Area office. "This campaign will use a combination of education and enforcement to help make Contra Costa County roadways a safer place to travel."

This traffic safety effort also includes a community-based task force and public awareness and education to help reinforce the dangers of driving while impaired, the CHP said.

The CHP is also taking the opportunity to remind the people that "DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze." Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, illegal drugs, and some over-the-counter drugs can affect a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, the CHP said.

"Remember to always plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or arrange for other safe alternative transportation, such as public transit or taxi/ride-hailing service."

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.