La Mesa Police plans added holiday enforcement, urges drivers to celebrate responsibly

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National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign begins 
 
Source:  City of La Mesa
 
December 9, 2025 (La Mesa) - The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The La Mesa Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 12 through New Year’s Day, The La Mesa Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” Chief Ray Sweeney said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”
 
The La Mesa Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using public transit or calling a taxi or rideshare service if you intend to drink. Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
 
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Don't drive responsibly even when not impaired with alcohol, drugs, or even prescribed medication. Speeding, bullying pedestrians, running red lights, driving in bicycle lanes, using cell phones and many more shenanigans. I'd like to see El Cajon police aggressively enforce the laws regarding no electric motorized scooters, and bikes being ridden on the sidewalks mostly by underage kids and some adults. Regular bicycles as well. The electric ones are usually ridden fast, and create a dangerous situation where a pedestrian can get seriously injured, especially when the riders approach silently from behind and often get very close to the person walking instead of giving a wide berth. California law indicates no person shall ride an eBike without a helmet or drivers license if under the age of 16. eScooter riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet. And no person is allowed to ride them on a sidewalk. This law applies to bicycles as well. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not people bent on going fast and endangering others, even themselves while riding on something clearly designed for the road. I've been nearly hit so many times I've lost count. I've also witnessed some riders dart in front of moving vehicles at intersections, and nearly causing a wreck. The schools seem to condone the illegal use of eBikes and eScooters because there are many parked at the bicycle racks every day. Even at El Cajon Valley Middle School. So, why the lack of proactive enforcement? Schools should start by banning them from the property. Particularly grade schools and middle schools where clearly the children are under the age of 16.