Two motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs were arrested over the weekend in Desert Hot Springs amid beefed-up patrols in the city, police reported Tuesday.
“Driving under the influence is dangerous, illegal and puts a further strain on resources in the middle of a pandemic,” said Desert Hot Springs police Chief Jim Henson. “We are still out there and will not hesitate to stop drivers who drive impaired.”
The department plans to increase patrols at unspecified dates throughout the year to catch additional DUI drivers, he said.
DUI arrests can lead to jail time and cost motorists up to $13,500, with fines, fees, classes, license suspension and other expenses factored in.
Drivers taking prescription drugs, particularly those with labeled warnings about driving or operating machinery, may also become impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can be an impairment, as well, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, police said.
The operation was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.