The holidays will feel a bit different this year but one thing that has not changed is choosing a sober way to go.

Starting Monday and continuing through Dec. 15, the Turlock Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, officers will be actively looking for other unsafe driving practices such as speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving distracted and not yielding to bicyclists or pedestrians. This will be done to make sure everyone has a safe holiday.

“2020 has been a tough year so let’s try and end it on a good note by being safe on the road during the holidays," said Turlock Police Acting Capt. James Silveira. "Taking simple safety measures helps make sure we can all enjoy the holidays.”

Turlock Police staff reminds drivers that marijuana, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications may impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

“There’s no joy in a DUI," Silveira said. "Sober is the way to go.”

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