San Diego County Sheriff's Office Awarded Traffic Safety Grant

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego County Sheriff's Office was awarded a $422,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund an enforcement program to stop drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the sheriff's office announced Wednesday.

The program, which runs through September 2025, will pay for impaired driving checkpoints, patrols and distracted driving and traffic enforcement, according to the sheriff's office.

The program aims to reduce impaired driving-related crashes and deaths. More than 800 people have been arrested so far this year for impaired driving, sheriff's officials said.

"We are grateful for the California Office of Traffic Safety's support as we continue our efforts to keep impaired drivers off San Diego County roadways," Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez said in a statement. "This grant will help us combat dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes and make our roads safer for everyone."

Impaired driving can include alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. Drivers arrested for DUI can expect up to $15,000 in legal and court fees, sheriff's officials said.