Novato Police Dept. To Public: Celebrate Memorial Day Safely

NOVATO, CA -- Memorial Day Weekend is a time many spend with family and friends for outdoor activities but is also what is considered the start of California’s 100 dangerous days of summer on roadways between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

During this time of busy summer travel, the Novato Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Last Memorial Day, 43 people were injured in alcohol-related collisions, accounting for 25 percent of all injury crashes.

“If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving,” Novato PD Officer Reza Pourfarhani said. “Know beforehand how you are getting home. It’s never worth putting yourself and others at risk by driving when you should not be driving.”

In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. The Novato Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can also affect your ability to drive safely, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

NPD offers these tips to make sure you have a safe Memorial Day holiday and summer:

• Have a sober friend, ride-share, taxi or public transportation be your ride home.
• Report drunk drivers by calling 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
• Check any medications or over-the-counter drugs you are taking and how they may impact your ability to drive.